Former PM Mahathir Criticizes Secrecy and Credibility in Pulau Batu Puteh RCI
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has expressed strong criticism of the government's handling of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the Pulau Batu Puteh case. In a recent statement, Mahathir questioned the secrecy surrounding the inquiry, the credibility of its commissioners, and the accusations leveled against him.
Secrecy and Restricted Access
Mahathir highlighted the government's initial insistence on conducting the RCI in private, barring media and public access. Neither he nor his lawyer was allowed to attend except when called to testify. He questioned the rationale for secrecy, particularly when the RCI report was later leaked online and debated publicly.
Accusations and Transparency
Refuting allegations that he had concealed information, Mahathir emphasized his full cooperation during the proceedings. He accused the government of hypocrisy for opposing his request for an open hearing while later declassifying the RCI report.
Credibility of the RCI Panel
Mahathir raised concerns about the impartiality of several RCI commissioners. He pointed out that some members had prior involvement in the Special Task Force on Pulau Batu Puteh, creating potential conflicts of interest. He also questioned the inclusion of former Attorney General Apandi Ali, whose actions during his tenure had been controversial.
Key Questions on Legal and Financial Oversight
Mahathir outlined several unanswered questions regarding the RCI, including:
- Why were key agencies, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, excluded from the review process?
- How much public money was spent on foreign and local legal experts, and where are the payment records?
- Why were annexes and key documents redacted or omitted from the declassified RCI report?
Joint Cabinet Decision
The former PM clarified that the decision not to proceed with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) review was made collectively by the Cabinet in May 2018. He argued that continuing the review posed risks to Malaysia's interests and could potentially result in further losses.
Call for Accountability
Mahathir concluded by urging the government to provide transparency in its actions and address the deficiencies in the RCI report. He questioned the selective release of information and called for answers to protect Malaysia’s sovereignty.
The Pulau Batu Puteh issue remains a contentious topic in Malaysian politics, with implications for national sovereignty and public accountability. Mahathir’s remarks add another layer to the ongoing debate as the government prepares for a parliamentary discussion on the matter.
Information Source: Tun Mahathir
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