THE request for a review of the International Court of Justice’s decision to award Pulau Batu Puteh to Singapore has nothing to do with politics, and is strictly based on laws, said Attorney-General Mohamed Apandi Ali.

“I agree with Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin. The matter has nothing to do with politics or the general election,” he told The Malaysian Insight via WhatsApp today.

“The request for a review is based on new evidence found, and it is strictly based on laws.”

Apandi had, in February, said Malaysia had filed the request following the discovery of new facts in three documents from the UK National Archives in August last year.

The evidence comprised Singaporean officials’ internal correspondence in 1958, a report filed by a British Navy officer in the same year and a map with notes on maritime operations in the 1960s.

The documents showed that Pulau Batu Puteh, or Pedra Branca, was not part of Singapore territory.

Apandi said the case would likely be heard early next year at the soonest.

“All parties are abiding by ICJ’s orders, made during case management on September 11, to file their arguments and documents.

“It is expected that the case will be heard, at the earliest, in the first quarter of next year.”

Earlier today, Khairy took Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to task for linking the 14th general election to Malaysia’s request for a review of ICJ’s decision.

Yesterday, Lee had questioned Malaysia’s motive in requesting that the ICJ revise its 2008 judgment to award the disputed island, as well as the South Ledge, to Singapore.

The Singaporean leader reportedly said the request “may have something to do” with GE14, which must be held by August next year.

Khairy, who is also Umno Youth chief, said it was Malaysia’s right to request the review.

“For Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s information, Malaysia’s general election had not been announced when the discovery of facts was made last year.

“As a reminder, the Malaysian Parliament has not been dissolved till today, more than a year since the discovery of new facts was made.” – November 20, 2017.