Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim has recently revealed that the government funded RM486,000 for former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s trip to Japan in May 2025.
Source:
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/06/1229750/anwar-govt-paid-rm486k-dr-ms-official-visit-japan
The visit was in conjunction with the Nikkei Future of Asia Conference - an international platform that Mahathir has frequently attended over the years. A whopping RM486,000 was paid by Malaysian taxpayers, instead of the organiser covering the expenses by selling seats to participants!
Despite being one of the current administration’s most vocal critics, Mahathir submitted a formal application for funding, which was approved by Anwar. The Prime Minister explained that there are provisions allowing former prime ministers to request government assistance for official trips, and approval is at the discretion of the sitting prime minister.
“He applied, and I approved it,” Anwar told reporters. “I believe the delegation comprised about seven people. I just don’t want anyone to misunderstand. Even though he criticises the government daily, we still approved the trip because it is his right to apply.”
While Anwar’s decision may be seen as a gesture of political maturity and respect for institutional norms, it came amid another controversial statement - this time in Parliament - regarding Mahathir’s past handling of the Pulau Batu Puteh dispute.
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Anwar stated that the government maintained Mahathir was at fault for Malaysia’s 2018 decision to withdraw its application to review the International Court of Justice’s ruling on Pulau Batu Puteh, which awarded the island to Singapore. A Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) previously recommended a criminal investigation into the matter. However, Anwar said the Cabinet had decided against pursuing legal action, citing Mahathir’s advanced age.
“Is he at fault? Yes. Should action be taken? We agreed not to take action because it involves a former prime minister who is 100 years old and to deter Opposition's accusations of unfairness,” Anwar said.
Mahathir did not take the statement lightly. In a strongly worded response on social media, he challenged the government to charge him if it believed he had committed wrongdoing. He rejected what he called “immunity” based on age and said he wanted the chance to clear his name in court.
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“I do not want immunity,” he said. “If I am accused of wrongdoing, charge me in court and prove that I am guilty. I know I am not in the wrong, and I want to prove it.”
The dual episodes - financial support for a former prime minister’s overseas trip, and public declarations of fault with no follow-up legal action - have sparked mixed reactions from the public. While some see Anwar’s stance as balanced and respectful, others question whether the government is sending conflicting messages. There is irony in the indirect reward coupled with a declaration of fault, despite Mahathir’s open challenge to be charged in court.
The situation highlights the complexities of dealing with political leaders, where legacy, age, political rivalry, and legal accountability intersect. As Malaysia continues to navigate the chapters shaped by power abuse and misdirection by the political elites, public expectations for consistency and transparency remain high and unwavering.
By: Kpost
Information Source:
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