Perikatan Nasional whip Takyuddin Hassan is seeking to refer Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee over the latter’s remarks concerning Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the Pulau Batu Puteh issue.

Takiyuddin (PN-Kota Bharu) said he earlier today submitted a motion to Johari Abdul about his request, asserting that the Dewan Rakyat speaker has “no reasonable excuse” to reject it.

On Tuesday, Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat that the cabinet decided not to pursue legal action against Mahathir over the Pulau Batu Puteh issue due to his old age, despite admitting that the former prime minister was “wrong”.

Addressing a press conference today, Takiyuddin claimed Anwar’s comments had misled the House as the power to initiate or drop charges against individuals is held by the attorney-general (AG), not the prime minister.

“Article 143 of the Federal Constitution states that the AG must have the power to - at his discretion - initiate, conduct, or halt legal proceedings for any offence.

“How is it within the prime minister’s power to accuse or charge anyone? Is this confirmation from the prime minister on his interference in legal affairs?” asked Takiyuddin, who is a former law minister.

In his remarks on Tuesday, Anwar had specifically called out Takiyuddin as an opposition figure who would accuse the government of being unfair if legal action were to be taken against Mahathir.

No fear of court

Yesterday, Mahathir dared Anwar to take him to court, stressing that he does not need any “immunity” due to old age and would like the chance to prove his innocence in court.

“Immunity is only for those who fear being dragged to court as they know they are guilty,” the centenarian said in a statement.

On Dec 5 last year, the royal commission of inquiry on Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks, and South Ledge recommended that a criminal investigation be launched against Mahathir.

The report accused Mahathir of deceiving the cabinet in 2018 into withdrawing Malaysia’s review of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision to award sovereignty over Batu Puteh to Singapore.

The RCI said Mahathir made a unilateral decision to drop the review without the cabinet and had merely briefed cabinet members on why he had done so.

Reporting by Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain, Hariz Mohd, Shakira Buang

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