DEWAN RAKYAT DEBATES BATU PUTEH RCI REPORT

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- The Dewan Rakyat today debated a motion on the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on the handling of matters related to the sovereignty of Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks, and South Ledge, which includes a recommendation for potential criminal investigations against former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who tabled the motion, said it reflected the government’s commitment to providing a platform for all Members of Parliament to discuss the issue.

“This report is a manifestation of the MADANI Government’s concern for managing sovereignty issues efficiently, systematically, and with integrity.

“The debate allows the government to take the best steps to address the issues raised through the recommendations provided holistically and effectively,” she said, adding that the matter involved the interests of the Federal Government and the state of Johor.

Azalina noted that one of the main factors contributing to Malaysia’s permanent loss of Batu Puteh was the mishandling of the case and the decision not to proceed with a review application and interpretation request without thorough administrative scrutiny.

“The findings of the RCI shed light on the events surrounding the handling of this matter. The study and investigation focused on actions taken by certain individuals within the administration, civil servants, and local and international consultants involved,” she said.

A total of 10 MPs from both the government and opposition blocs participated in the debate on the RCI report.

The 217-page report, distributed to MPs in the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 5, recommended that criminal investigations against Dr Mahathir be considered under Section 415(b) of the Penal Code, punishable under Section 417, as well as under Section 418 of the Code.

On May 23, 2008, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Singapore had sovereignty over Batu Puteh, while Middle Rocks, located less than one kilometre away, belonged to Malaysia.

The ICJ also decided that the ownership of South Ledge, approximately four kilometres from Batu Puteh, would be determined based on the delimitation of territorial waters of the countries involved.

-- BERNAMA