PUTRAJAYA, Aug 30 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described the mishandling of the Batu Puteh issue as a betrayal to the nation.
He said despite the government’s acceptance of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) ruling, no nation would cede territory without a fight, and would often go to great lengths to defend even a small area.
“That is why the Madani government decided to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry to uncover the truth. It is crucial to understand why Malaysia, a proud and distinguished nation, easily allowed such a great lapse, failing to use all available legal avenues to safeguard our rights.
“If anyone considers this a minor issue, they have a problem with their attitude as a Malaysian as this has never before happened in global history,” he said during his Merdeka address here today.
On May 23, 2008, the ICJ ruled Singapore had sovereignty over Batu Puteh, while Middle Rocks, situated less than 1km from the island, belongs to Malaysia.
The ICJ ruled that ownership rights over South Ledge, approximately 4km from Batu Puteh, would be determined based on maritime boundaries of the state in control.
— Bernama
