Police Reports Filed Over Batu Puteh Sovereignty Case
PETALING JAYA: The handling of the Batu Puteh sovereignty case has sparked a wave of police reports, with more expected to be filed in the coming days. According to Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s lawyer, Rafique Rashid Ali, the reports are aimed at addressing alleged mismanagement and misleading statements related to the royal commission of inquiry’s (RCI) findings on the case.
Multiple Reports Filed Nationwide
Rafique announced that several reports were made yesterday and today at various police stations nationwide, including in Wangsa Maju, Dang Wangi, Tampin, Subang Jaya, Cheras, Kajang, and George Town. He also stated that more reports will be filed in the coming days in Sungai Petani, Kedah, and other states.
Targets of the Reports
The reports have been made against Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, former deputy prime minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, transport minister Loke Siew Fook, and former defence minister Mohamad Sabu. Rafique said the reports cite Anwar’s labelling of those involved in the case as "traitors" and the shifting stances of the three former ministers regarding the withdrawal of the Batu Puteh case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Former Attorney-General Also Named
Rafique also mentioned that former attorney-general Apandi Ali was named in the police reports for alleged improper conduct in the handling of the Batu Puteh case, as highlighted by the RCI.
Violations of the Penal Code
The complainants believe that those named in the reports had violated Sections 415(b), 504, and 505(b) of the Penal Code. Rafique expressed hope that the police will investigate these reports fairly and impartially, without bias, and carry out their responsibilities transparently, including calling the named individuals for questioning.
RCI’s Findings
The RCI’s declassified report, released earlier this month, said Mahathir had unilaterally decided against proceeding with the applications to review and interpret the ICJ’s 2008 decision on Batu Puteh. The RCI stated that the then prime minister had written to the solicitor-general on May 21, 2018, stating that "to my view, this effort (the applications) need not be continued". Mahathir has since reiterated his denial that he had made a unilateral decision on the matter.
Conclusion
The filing of police reports over the handling of the Batu Puteh sovereignty case highlights the controversy surrounding the case and the need for transparency and accountability. The complainants hope that the police will investigate these reports fairly and impartially, and that justice will be served.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Batu Puteh sovereignty case?
A: The Batu Puteh sovereignty case refers to the dispute between Malaysia and Singapore over the sovereignty of the Pedra Branca island, which is known as Batu Puteh in Malay.
Q: What is the royal commission of inquiry (RCI)?
A: The RCI is an independent body established to investigate the handling of the Batu Puteh sovereignty case and to provide recommendations on how to improve the administration of justice in Malaysia.
Q: Who are the targets of the police reports?
A: The targets of the police reports include Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, former deputy prime minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, transport minister Loke Siew Fook, former defence minister Mohamad Sabu, and former attorney-general Apandi Ali.