THE National Patriots Association (Patriot) has backed Putrajaya’s decision to withdraw Malaysia’s accession to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling protests against the treaty a “staged” event aimed at toppling the government.

Patriot president Brigadier General (Rtd) Mohamed Arshad Raji said there was an ulterior motive to bring down the administration and prime minister.

“It is doubtful that the street protesters have the slightest comprehension of the Rome Statute of ICC, and how it challenges our constitution and the position of Malay rulers.

“As in most cases of a sinister campaign, first, a mob-for-hire group would be mobilised. Or in the usual modus operandi of opposition parties, a spin master concocts a make-real story.

“Next, the persons or politicians who are the mastermind move in to create havoc, taking advantage of the mob or spun story,” he said in a statement.

After reading ministers’ statements on the U-turn and from observing events, Patriot “understands the big picture”, said Arshad.

“We fully agree with the prime minister’s decision to withdraw the decision to accede to the Rome Statute.”

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Friday announced Malaysia’s withdrawal from the treaty, blaming “political confusion” caused by those with “vested interests”.

He also pointed to a member of the royalty, but did not name the person.

Opposition to the Rome Statute has been strongest from the Johor royalty, on the grounds that acceding to the treaty would jeopardise the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Pro-royalty Malay groups had also taken up the line and organised protests against the treaty’s ratification.

Ministers and lawyers have repeatedly said the Rome Statute will not hurt the country’s constitutional monarchy, noting that many parties to the treaty have the same system in place.

Arshad said the treaty should be openly discussed and debated by all levels of society to assess Malaysians’ understanding of the issue. – April 8, 2019.