Batu Puteh RCI not an act of revenge - PM

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on the handling of matters related to the sovereignty of Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge is not aimed at taking revenge against Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Anwar said the narrative of vengeance should not be raised in the issue, especially by the opposition.

"There is no such thing (as revenge). The Special Task Force (PPK) was set up before my time. It was when Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was the prime minister, the ministers (then) were Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin and Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan. Their (PPK) findings were far worse. (So), don't play (the revenge narrative)," he said.

He told reporters this after Friday prayers at Surau Darul Ulum, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) Putrajaya, Presint 11, here today.

On Oct 8 2021, the Cabinet agreed to establish a PPK to review the laws related to Batu Puteh.

Anwar reiterated that RCI is a principle to defend the country's sovereignty.

"This is a matter of territory, where is it possible? Is there a country that allows (its territory) to be handed over so easily," he said.

Yesterday, several opposition members of Parliament claimed that the Batu Puteh RCI procedure was vindictive.

Asked if Dr Mahathir should be subject to action as recommended in the RCI, Anwar said "I am not suggesting anything. I leave that to the Attorney-General's Chambers".

-- BERNAMA