KUALA LUMPUR – A Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) has recommended criminal investigations into former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad for allegedly committing “cheating” offences by unilaterally halting legal proceedings over Pedra Branca in 2018.
The 238-page report, declassified on Dec 5, alleges Dr. Mahathir made the decision to abandon Malaysia’s applications to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) without Cabinet consultation. The ICJ had ruled in 2008 that Pedra Branca belonged to Singapore, while Malaysia retained Middle Rocks and potential claims over South Ledge.
The RCI advised against reopening the case for now, urging Malaysia to focus on ongoing negotiations with Singapore through joint technical committees on maritime boundaries. Dr. Mahathir has denied wrongdoing, claiming his decision was only an “opinion.”