Withdrawal of review applications in Batu Puteh case improper - AG
The withdrawal of two review applications against the decision of the Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge sovereignty cases is not in order, Attorney-General Idrus Harun said.
According to him, the final report of the Special Task Force related to the case was tabled to the federal cabinet on Jan 11.
"Based on the cabinet's decision, the government is of the view that the decision to withdraw both the Application for Revision of the decision of the case concerning the sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks/Batuan Tengah and South Ledge/Tubir Selatan (Malaysia/Singapura) and the Request for Interpretation of the decision in the said case were not in order and improper.
"Nevertheless, the government respects the judgment of the International Court of Justice in the case concerning sovereignty over Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks/Batuan Tengah and South Ledge/Tubir Selatan (Malaysia/Singapore) dated May 23, 2008," Idrus (above) said in a statement today.
Idrus noted that the Attorney-General's Chambers is studying the recommendations made by the Special Task Force, including issues related to the tort of misfeasance in public office, and will take the necessary actions to implement the decision made by the cabinet.
'Of vital importance'
"Issues relating to Batu Puteh are of vital importance as they relate to the strategic interests and sovereignty of the nation. In this regard, the government will continue to ensure that Malaysia’s interest and sovereignty are protected and preserved at all times."
On Feb 3, 2017, Putrajaya filed an application for a review of the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) decision on May 23, 2008, which ruled that Singapore has sovereign rights over Batu Puteh, while Malaysia has sovereign rights over the Central Reef.
However, the then Pakatan Harapan government led by Dr Mahathir Mohamad withdrew the review application in 2018, before the case was scheduled to be heard on June 11 that year, at the ICJ.
Last October, the Special Task Force said that Mahathir was possibly negligent by failing to file an appeal on the case.
Last Dec 14, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim requested the AG to explain the matter, and said the government was seeking to hold more “meaningful” discussions with Singapore.
Pulau Batu Puteh
"Last Dec 14, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim requested the AG to explain the matter, and said the government was seeking to hold more “meaningful” discussions with Singapore."
ReplyDeleteComment: it is stupid for Malaysia to even bother to have a "meaningful" discussion with Singapore. From Singapore's perspective all has been decided and the fact that Singapore's number one hater, Mahathir gave up on the request to review the judgement in 2018 speaks of the futility of such an appeal.
Knowing the old buffoon, he would find all ways and means to screw Singapore. Unless the action to discontinue the appeal in 2018 before the deadline was to poke at Johore's royalty.
And I don't understand why Malaysia keep calling it Pulau Batu Puteh. Malaysia should be gracious in defeat and refer to it as Pedra Banca.