Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim defended the Cabinet's choice to halt proceedings against former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad regarding Pulau Batu Puteh sovereignty matters. The Royal Commission of Inquiry had suggested criminal investigations against Dr Mahathir for alleged national betrayal. Anwar clarified that the Cabinet made this determination rather than the Attorney-General making an independent ruling. The decision came despite the RCI's formal recommendations for legal action. Anwar emphasized that the wrongdoing represented a profound betrayal, but the circumstances warranted discontinuing further pursuit.
The Prime Minister addressed reporters following the 50th Prime Minister's Cup Debate Finals after Perikatan Nasional chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan proposed referring him to the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee. Hassan's motion targeted Anwar's previous statements about the RCI findings. The 217-page RCI report distributed to Parliament members contained recommendations for criminal investigations against the former leader. Anwar had earlier cited age-related factors as reasons for avoiding prosecution. The RCI examined sovereignty issues concerning Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks, and South Ledge.
The Prime Minister addressed reporters following the 50th Prime Minister's Cup Debate Finals after Perikatan Nasional chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan proposed referring him to the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee. Hassan's motion targeted Anwar's previous statements about the RCI findings. The 217-page RCI report distributed to Parliament members contained recommendations for criminal investigations against the former leader. Anwar had earlier cited age-related factors as reasons for avoiding prosecution. The RCI examined sovereignty issues concerning Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks, and South Ledge.
