Malaysia inquiry proposes criminal probe into ex-PM Mahathir over disputed islets

KUALA LUMPUR — A Malaysian royal commission of inquiry (RCI) recommended a criminal investigation into former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad over a decision to drop claims on two disputed islets in the Singapore Strait, its report published on Thursday (Dec 5) said.

The RCI was launched after current premier Anwar Ibrahim called for a review of a 2018 government decision, made when Mahathir was in office, to drop its challenge to a World Court ruling over the sovereignty of three islets in the waters between Malaysia and Singapore.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2008 awarded the Middle Rocks formation to Malaysia, while nearby Pedra Branca was given to Singapore.

In 2017, Malaysia sought to overturn the Pedra Branca part of the ruling and requested clarification from the ICJ on the status of South Ledge, the third disputed islet, according to the declassified RCI report, which was presented in parliament on Thursday.

Both applications were withdrawn a year later, when Mahathir was serving his second term as prime minister.

The 217-page report, which was partly redacted, recommended the now 99-year-old Mahathir be investigated for cheating and wrongful losses over the dropped claims, citing his responsibilities as prime minister to protect and defend Malaysia's interests and sovereignty.

Mahathir's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Mahathir, in testimony to the commission that was included in the report, said the withdrawal of the claims was a cabinet decision made following consultations with experts and based on a prior agreement with Singapore to accept the ICJ's rulings.

Under the penal code, the offences carry prison terms of up to seven years, a fine, or both, if convicted.

Mahathir was Malaysia's longest-serving premier, holding office for 22 years until 2003.

He returned to the top job in 2018 after mending ties with Anwar, a former protege turned political rival with whom he had shared a decades-long feud.

But the coalition collapsed in less than two years amid infighting.

Anwar became prime minister in 2022 vowing to tackle corruption but has faced accusations from some critics of targeting political foes. He has denied the accusations saying he does not interfere in court cases.

The RCI report said the deadline for a civil suit against Mahathir over the matter had passed.

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