Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Batu Puteh, veteran journalist A. Kadir Jasin has urged the Malaysian government to adopt a more constructive approach by pursuing diplomatic solutions with Singapore, rather than focusing solely on investigating former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. In a recent Facebook post, Kadir highlighted the importance of addressing the issue through a balanced and pragmatic lens, emphasizing that punitive measures alone may not lead to meaningful outcomes.
The case of Batu Puteh, also known as Pedra Branca, has long been a point of contention between Malaysia and Singapore, rooted in historical and legal complexities. Kadir pointed to a pivotal document from 1953—an official letter from the acting secretary of Johor's state government—which stated that Johor did not claim sovereignty over Batu Puteh. This letter has been central to the legal discourse, and Kadir suggested that its implications must be acknowledged.
He argued that while it is within the government’s right to investigate Mahathir’s role in Malaysia’s decision not to appeal the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) 2008 ruling favoring Singapore’s claim, such actions should not overshadow efforts to seek alternative forms of redress. He proposed leveraging Malaysia’s diplomatic ties with Singapore to negotiate some form of "compensation" or mutually beneficial resolution. “Filing a police report just to jail Dr. Mahathir won’t solve anything substantial,” Kadir remarked. “The focus should be on what the Madani Malaysian government can achieve now to rectify the situation.”
Kadir’s remarks come in the wake of the Royal Commission of Inquiry's (RCI) findings, which recommended a criminal investigation against Mahathir under Section 415(b) of the Penal Code. The commission alleged that Mahathir misled the Malaysian Cabinet in 2018 by unilaterally deciding not to proceed with a review application to the ICJ, despite advice from international consultants suggesting a reasonable chance of success. This decision, according to the commission, resulted in losses for Malaysia.
The RCI’s report, signed by seven members and chaired by former Chief Justice Md Raus Sharif, accused Mahathir of intentionally deceiving the government and acting against national interests. However, dissenting voices within the commission, including former Federal Court judge Zainun Ali and legal expert Faridah Jalil, disagreed with the criminality claim. They classified Mahathir’s actions as a lapse in duty but not as a prosecutable offence under existing laws.
Kadir suggested that Malaysia’s efforts should focus on strengthening ties with Singapore and seeking practical solutions to move forward. He also defended Mahathir’s openness to being investigated, noting the former prime minister’s willingness to clarify his decisions. “He has never shied away from explaining his stance,” Kadir said, adding that the government must prioritize the nation's interests over political vendettas.
Information Source: FMT
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