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15-12-2024, 02:33 PM
‘Desperate’ Attempt to Shift Blame: Saifuddin Slams Mahathir’s Batu Puteh Decisions
Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has sharply criticized former PM Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, accusing him of attempting to shift blame regarding the Batu Puteh territorial dispute, controversy revolves around findings of Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI), alleged that Mahathir acted unilaterally in dropping Malaysia's legal applications related to the matter. Speaking to reporters after a home ministry event in Putrajaya, Saifuddin compared Mahathir’s recent actions to those of a desperate individual. "When people are drowning, they will grasp for anything they can reach. That’s his current situation," Saifuddin remarked, emphasizing RCI’s detailed report should serve as the definitive reference on the issue.
The RCI revealed that Mahathir had instructed Malaysia’s solicitor-general in May 2018 to halt two legal proceedings tied to the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) 2008 decision on Batu Puteh. The ICJ ruling had granted sovereignty over Batu Puteh to S'pore, while M'sia retained Middle Rocks & South Ledge. Mahathir, however, denied acting unilaterally. On Tuesday, he claimed matter was raised during 2018 Cabinet meeting, key figures, including then Deputy PM Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, & Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, were present. According to Mahathir, no one voiced opposition, he interpreted as tacit approval.
In response, Wan Azizah, along with former transport minister Anthony Loke and ex-defense minister Mohamad Sabu, issued a joint statement challenging Mahathir's account. They asserted that the Cabinet was informed of his decision only after it had already been made. “There was no room for decision-making,” they stated, adding that Mahathir had formalized his directive in writing prior to the meeting.
According to RCI findings, Mahathir's written instruction to solicitor-general was dated May 21, 2018. Directive instructed the legal applications “need not be continued.” This decision was communicated to Singapore on morning of May 23, 2018, before Cabinet convened later that day. During meeting, matter was reportedly discussed under "other matters," by which time decision was effectively a foregone conclusion. The RCI has recommended filing a police report against Mahathir for alleged misconduct. However, dissenting opinions from two commission members have cast doubt on recommendation, raising questions about its impartiality and potential political motivations.
Remarks signal growing tension surrounding Mahathir’s role in Batu Puteh. His comments underscore broader frustrations within PH regarding Mahathir’s recent attempts to deflect criticism. "We'll stick to facts in RCI report. His recent statements are merely an attempt to drag others down with him," Saifuddin reiterated. Batu Puteh case remains a sensitive issue for M'sia, given its implications sovereignty & diplomatic relations with S'pore. As RCI report continues to dominate political discourse, the fallout from its findings is likely to further strain Mahathir's legacy relationships within PH coalition.
https://newswav.com/article/desperate-at...412_ucDktf
Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has sharply criticized former PM Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, accusing him of attempting to shift blame regarding the Batu Puteh territorial dispute, controversy revolves around findings of Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI), alleged that Mahathir acted unilaterally in dropping Malaysia's legal applications related to the matter. Speaking to reporters after a home ministry event in Putrajaya, Saifuddin compared Mahathir’s recent actions to those of a desperate individual. "When people are drowning, they will grasp for anything they can reach. That’s his current situation," Saifuddin remarked, emphasizing RCI’s detailed report should serve as the definitive reference on the issue.
The RCI revealed that Mahathir had instructed Malaysia’s solicitor-general in May 2018 to halt two legal proceedings tied to the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) 2008 decision on Batu Puteh. The ICJ ruling had granted sovereignty over Batu Puteh to S'pore, while M'sia retained Middle Rocks & South Ledge. Mahathir, however, denied acting unilaterally. On Tuesday, he claimed matter was raised during 2018 Cabinet meeting, key figures, including then Deputy PM Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, & Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, were present. According to Mahathir, no one voiced opposition, he interpreted as tacit approval.
In response, Wan Azizah, along with former transport minister Anthony Loke and ex-defense minister Mohamad Sabu, issued a joint statement challenging Mahathir's account. They asserted that the Cabinet was informed of his decision only after it had already been made. “There was no room for decision-making,” they stated, adding that Mahathir had formalized his directive in writing prior to the meeting.
According to RCI findings, Mahathir's written instruction to solicitor-general was dated May 21, 2018. Directive instructed the legal applications “need not be continued.” This decision was communicated to Singapore on morning of May 23, 2018, before Cabinet convened later that day. During meeting, matter was reportedly discussed under "other matters," by which time decision was effectively a foregone conclusion. The RCI has recommended filing a police report against Mahathir for alleged misconduct. However, dissenting opinions from two commission members have cast doubt on recommendation, raising questions about its impartiality and potential political motivations.
Remarks signal growing tension surrounding Mahathir’s role in Batu Puteh. His comments underscore broader frustrations within PH regarding Mahathir’s recent attempts to deflect criticism. "We'll stick to facts in RCI report. His recent statements are merely an attempt to drag others down with him," Saifuddin reiterated. Batu Puteh case remains a sensitive issue for M'sia, given its implications sovereignty & diplomatic relations with S'pore. As RCI report continues to dominate political discourse, the fallout from its findings is likely to further strain Mahathir's legacy relationships within PH coalition.
https://newswav.com/article/desperate-at...412_ucDktf
