PUTRAJAYA, December 11 – Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has dismissed findings by the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on Batu Puteh, which recommended a criminal investigation against him. At a press conference today, he alleged that the inquiry unfairly placed sole blame on him for Malaysia’s 2018 decision to withdraw its application to review the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) ruling on Batu Puteh. Dr Mahathir asserted that the decision was made collectively with the Cabinet and based on expert advice.
“All Cabinet members at the time were briefed and had the opportunity to voice objections,” he stated, naming several former ministers who were present. “The RCI seems to have selectively targeted me while ignoring the Cabinet’s collective role. It’s a clear attempt to scapegoat me,” he added. Dr Mahathir also criticized the inquiry’s lack of transparency, pointing out that parts of the RCI report were redacted. He emphasized his readiness to face any investigation while defending his integrity and record as Prime Minister.
The RCI report, released last week, suggested Dr Mahathir could be investigated under Sections 415(b) and 418 of the Penal Code for allegedly misleading the Cabinet. However, it stopped short of recommending civil action due to legal limitations. Dr Mahathir speculated that the inquiry was politically motivated, targeting him as a member of the Opposition. “This is an attempt to neutralize me,” he remarked, denying accusations of misrepresentation and reiterating that Malaysia’s decision was made to preserve relations with Singapore and based on the strength of the case presented.
