Probe Dr M to uncover secrets behind Batu Puteh decision - Puad

An Umno supreme council member has strongly urged for Dr Mahathir Mohamad to be investigated over his decision on Pulau Batu Puteh.

Mohd Puad Zarkashi said the former premier should be charged in court to uncover mysteries surrounding Mahathir’s move to withdraw Malaysia's review of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision to award sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh to Singapore.

This came after veteran newsperson A Kadir Jasin suggested that Malaysia seek compensation for the loss of the island.

“I wish to ask Kadir, who should compensate us? Singapore? We have already paid compensation to the island nation for Mahathir’s decision to cancel the Kuala Lumpur–Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) project.

“This is why we need to investigate and act against Mahathir. Is the decision to withdraw Malaysia’s review on Pulau Batu Puteh linked to HSR’s cancellation?” Puad (above, left) asked on Facebook today.

He was referring to Mahathir’s decision in May 2018 to scrap the project, which involved paying RM300 million in compensation to Singapore.

On Dec 5, the Royal Commission of Inquiry on Batu Puteh, Batuan Tengah, and Tubir Selatan recommended a criminal investigation be launched against Mahathir.

The report - which was declassified in Parliament - accused Mahathir of deceiving the cabinet in 2018 into withdrawing Malaysia's review of ICJ’s decision to award sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh to Singapore.

A matter of sovereignty

In a blog post yesterday, Kadir, who is known as the former premier’s loyalist, said Mahathir has no problems being investigated as he always welcomes such an opportunity "to set the record straight".

“But let’s not punish Mahathir alone. It’s better for us to seek ‘compensation’ in other forms using good ties with Singapore,” he added.

On that note, Puad insisted that Mahathir should be penalised if found guilty.

“Even a fine of RM1,000 is okay. It should serve as a lesson for everyone not to forsake the nation’s dignity just for political revenge,” the Johor state assembly speaker added.

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