Kuala lumpur: No further action against former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad over the sovereignty issue of Pulau Batu Puteh did not override the Attorney-General's decision, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister stated that the decision, despite being contrary to the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI)'s recommendations, was made by the Cabinet.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the RCI had suggested that criminal investigations be initiated against Dr Mahathir for alleged betrayal of the country and for follow-up actions to be taken. Anwar made it clear that it was not his decision alone but a collective decision by the Cabinet. He acknowledged the seriousness of the alleged wrongdoing but suggested that, given the circumstances, it was unnecessary to pursue further action.

Anwar's remarks came in response to a motion by Perikatan Nasional (PN) chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, who proposed referring Anwar to the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee over his comments on the RCI related to the Pulau Batu Puteh issue.

Previously, Anwar had cited age-related considerations as a reason for the government's decision not to proceed with action against Dr Mahathir. The RCI on the Handling of Matters Related to the Sovereignty of Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks, and South Ledge had included the recommendation for criminal investigations in its 217-page report, which was distributed to Members of Parliament in the Dewan Rakyat.