FridayOL

KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has clarified why no legal action has been taken against former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad regarding the Pulau Batu Puteh (Pedra Branca) sovereignty dispute. In a statement today, Anwar stated that Dr Mahathir’s advanced age was a significant consideration in the decision.

The issue has been a long-standing point of contention between Malaysia and Singapore, with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in 2008 that Batu Puteh belonged to Singapore. Dr Mahathir, who was Prime Minister at the time, has been criticized for his handling of the case, particularly his decision to withdraw Malaysia’s application for a review of the ICJ’s decision.

“The matter has been looked into, and considering Tun Dr Mahathir’s age, we have decided not to pursue any legal action. It's not appropriate to take action against someone of his age,” Anwar stated during a parliamentary session. He emphasized that the government is focused on resolving the issue through diplomatic channels and negotiations with Singapore.

A Complex History and Current Efforts

The Batu Puteh dispute dates back to the 1980s. Malaysia initially argued that Batu Puteh, along with Middle Rocks and South Ledge, were part of its territorial waters. However, the ICJ ruled in favor of Singapore, stating that Batu Puteh was an island under Singapore’s sovereignty. The subsequent withdrawal of Malaysia’s review application further fueled controversy.

Recently, there have been renewed efforts to revisit the issue. Anwar’s government has expressed a willingness to engage in discussions with Singapore to find a mutually acceptable solution. This includes exploring potential compromises and revisiting the terms of the original ICJ ruling.

“We are committed to resolving this matter amicably and through dialogue. We want to ensure that any resolution respects the interests of both Malaysia and Singapore,” Anwar affirmed. He added that the government is carefully considering all legal and diplomatic options available.

Political Reactions and Public Opinion

The Prime Minister's statement has elicited mixed reactions. While some have praised the government’s decision to prioritize diplomacy and show respect for Dr Mahathir, others have questioned whether it signals a lack of resolve in pursuing Malaysia’s claims. Social media has been abuzz with discussions, with many expressing concerns about the impact of the dispute on Malaysia-Singapore relations.

Despite the political complexities, Anwar’s government remains optimistic about finding a resolution. The focus is on building trust and fostering a collaborative spirit between the two nations, with the ultimate goal of achieving a peaceful and sustainable outcome for the Batu Puteh issue.

The decision not to pursue legal action against Dr Mahathir underscores the government’s approach of prioritizing diplomacy and avoiding unnecessary confrontation. As negotiations with Singapore continue, all eyes are on whether a breakthrough can be achieved that benefits both countries.