KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 – Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has raised objections over the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on the sovereignty of Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks, and South Ledge, accusing the commission of denying access to his legal team. Dr Mahathir asserted that his legal representatives were not informed in advance about the commencement of the RCI proceedings and were subsequently barred from attending.
Expressing frustration, Dr Mahathir emphasized the necessity for either himself or his legal team to be present throughout the proceedings, as stipulated by Act 119 of the Commissions Of Enquiry Act 1950. The former prime minister criticized the secrecy surrounding the proceedings and questioned how he could effectively defend himself if denied the opportunity to participate. Dr Mahathir also called for the removal of certain panel members from the RCI, alleging conflicts of interest, although he did not provide specific details.
