THE Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) tasked with investigating foreign exchange losses suffered by the central bank over two decades ago must follow proper procedures to ensure it does not “blacken” the image of the monarchy, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The former prime minister, who made a surprise appearance at the RCI today, said the image of the monarchy was at stake. 

“It gives a certain image that is linked to the position of the rulers, and as such a royal commission must follow the rules and regulations and procedures that will not affect the image of royalty, in particular, the Agong,” he said. 

“I feel that the commission would always be mindful of that, and the expectation is that they will not, in any way, blacken the image of the royalty because it is a royal commission, not a police commission or something like that.” 

Asked what he thought of the proceedings, Mahathir replied: “So far, it looks okay. It looks like a court. They’re all talking… but sometimes you cannot hear what they are saying.  

Today’s RCI entered its second day with hearing testimony from its fourth witness, former BNM auditor Wong Yew Sen. 

Dr Mahathir entered the courtroom to observe the proceedings about 9am and left about 10:20am.

Asked if would testify, Dr Mahathir replied, “No, no, no, I haven’t any statement to make. Except that I’m curious to know what is happening and whether the name royal given to it, in fact, is reflected in the proceedings.”

Dr Mahathir said his lawyers had asked for a watching brief and to be informed ahead of time if he needed to testify.

“I must admit I know quite a lot. Maybe it is in the interest of the commission to know what I know.”

Asked on the scale of losses claimed by certain parties to reach US$10 billion, Dr Mahathir said. 

“Ah, but there are other billions of dollars which have been stolen which doesn’t seem to attract serious attention.”

Asked on the 1985 Memali police siege, Dr Mahathir maintained he was not in the country at the time and that former deputy prime minister Musa Hitam was acting prime minister during the siege.

Commenting on reports that the government was ready to form another royal inquiry for Memali, Dr Mahathir said he could provide “more information” to such a panel.

“I will provide further information…. as the truth must be known about Memali,” he said. 

Asked on his health, following rumours that he was warded at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) two days ago, Dr Mahathir replied, “Do you look at me as if I just recovered from a very serious illness. I’m okay.

“It’s wishful thinking on some part. They wish that I am dead. Because I am a nuisance. I am a danger to the whole nation.” – August 24, 2017.