THE final report of the special task force reviewing laws relating to sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge, which contains recommendations on the government’s direction in the case, will be tabled to the cabinet on October 7, Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said.

The minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (parliament and law) said the task force had completed its work over almost nine months – from November 9, 2021 to August 30, 2022 – based on the terms of reference, which focused on the legal aspects and Malaysia-Singapore ties.

“In order to discharge its duty successfully throughout this period, the task force has taken various approaches, such as studying and reviewing documentation and related materials as well as holding discussions, making working visits within and outside the country, having consultations with legal experts and hydrographers, and interview sessions with identified individuals,” he said in a statement today.

On October 29 last year, the cabinet agreed to form the task force, chaired by former attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali and comprising local lawyers who handled the case in 2016 and 2017, legal practitioners, maritime surveyors and representatives of the relevant ministries or departments.

The task force was formed to review and study the legal options for Malaysia as well as carry out investigations relating to the withdrawal of the previous government’s review application at the International Court of Justice in 2018.

Wan Junaidi also reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the country’s sovereignty and maritime borders are always protected and given priority.

He said the establishment of the task force was clear proof of this commitment. – Bernama, October 2, 2022.