PUTRAJAYA: The decision to withdraw the application for the review and interpretation of Pulau Batu Puteh was made by former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad prior to a Cabinet meeting on May 23, 2018, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed today. The matter was addressed during a press conference following the Home Ministry’s Monthly Assembly.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin Nasution emphasized that a letter regarding the decision had been issued before the Cabinet convened, aligning with the findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) Report. The report was tasked with reviewing the handling of issues concerning the sovereignty of Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks, and South Ledge. Saifuddin pointed out that the sequence of events, as detailed in the RCI report, indicated that the decision was made solely by Dr. Mahathir, without prior consultation with the Cabinet.

“This is his attempt to drag Cabinet members like a drowning man,” Saifuddin remarked, highlighting th
at the move was unilateral. He served as Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs during the Pakatan Harapan administration in 2018.

The media reported that the RCI has recommended a criminal investigation against Dr. Mahathir, following the handling of the sovereignty matters. The 217-page report, distributed to Members of Parliament in the Dewan Rakyat, suggests that a criminal probe could be initiated under Section 415 (b) of the Penal Code, with potential penalties under Sections 417 and 418 of the same Code.