KUALA LUMPUR – Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today claimed that the decision not to proceed with legal action at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Malaysia’s claim to Pulau Batu Puteh, which is also known as Pedra Branca, was based on the advice of officers appointed by then-attorney-general Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali.
The former prime minister said this when asked to comment on a statement by Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on October 13, of possible negligence and mistakes by Dr Mahathir during his term as the seventh prime minister, which might have caused Malaysia to miss the opportunity to file a review application against the ICJ judgment in 2008.
“That’s his (Ismail Sabri) opinion,” Dr Mahathir told the media after opening a conference and exhibition here.
When asked whether Malaysia should claim Batu Puteh, Dr Mahathir said he was of the view that with the promise made by Malaysia and Singapore, Malaysia would have to accept whatever decision made by the ICJ.
On the intention of Pertubuhan Perubahan Rakyat Malaysia (Gerak) chairman Datuk Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor to contest for the Langkawi parliamentary seat in the 15th General Election (GE15), Dr Mahathir said anyone could contest for the seat.
“I will remain in Langkawi. But if somebody else wants to come, do come. Langkawi used to be won by Umno until it lost in GE14. Now GE15, we don’t know if Umno is becoming more influential,” he said. – Bernama, October 15, 2022
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