KUALA LUMPUR – The decision to withdraw the review application relating to sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks, and South Ledge during Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s administration was “irregular and inappropriate”.
According to a statement, Attorney-General Tan Sri Idrus Harun said Malaysia will respect the decision by the International Court of Justice made on May 23, 2008.
This comes after the special task force on the matter presented its findings during a cabinet meeting on January 11.
“The Attorney-General’s Chambers is reviewing the recommendations made by the special task force, especially on issues related to tort of misfeasance in public office. We will take the necessary actions to implement the decisions made by the cabinet.
“The Batu Puteh issue is an important one involving strategic interests and national sovereignty. In this matter, the government will continue to ensure Malaysia’s interests and sovereignty are protected and preserved.”
On October 29 last year, the cabinet agreed to form the task force, chaired by former attorney-general Tan Sri Apandi Ali and comprising local lawyers who handled the case from 2016 to 2017, legal practitioners, maritime surveyors and representatives of the relevant ministries or departments.
In 2018, the Pakatan Harapan government under the leadership of Dr Mahathir withdrew an application to overturn ICJ’s ruling awarding legal jurisdiction of Pulau Batu Puteh to Singapore before the case was scheduled to be heard on June 11, 2018. – The Vibes, January 27, 2023
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