PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim wants the claim over Batu Puteh to be reviewed through immediate and more “meaningful” negotiations with Singapore without jeopardising bilateral relations. 

“I have asked the attorney-general for an explanation on the controversial Batu Puteh claim, which as it stands, has been awarded to Singapore by the ICJ (International Court of Justice), and also any other arising implications. 

“I asked that (the matter) be looked into so that there can be more meaningful negotiations with Singapore,” he said at a media conference after chairing the cabinet meeting in Putrajaya today. 

On October 13, then prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob in a statement said the cabinet had agreed for Malaysia to proceed with legal action at the ICJ on the dispute involving Malaysia’s sovereignty over Batu Puteh, Batuan Tengah, and Tubir Selatan. 

Ismail said the matter was agreed upon after hearing the presentation and proposals by the special task force to review laws relating to sovereignty over the disputed islets on October 7. 

Separately, Anwar said the cabinet meeting today discussed several other pending matters, including the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) reports on issues faced by Tabung Haji.

He said the chairman of the RCI, former chief justice Md Raus Sharif, had given a briefing, and discussions will continue in January on the issues concerned as well as proposals on how to improve the management of the Islamic financial institution. 

The RCI was set up early this year in accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Act 1950 to investigate management and operation issues faced by Tabung Haji.

It was formed to enable further investigations into arising issues and for recommendations to be submitted to the government to restore the image and confidence of the people in Tabung Haji. – Bernama, December 14, 2022.