KUALA LUMPUR: The loss of sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh should serve as a valuable lesson so that weaknesses, carelessness and complacency in handling issues related to national sovereignty are not repeated.
This was among the remarks made by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge in its 271-page declassified report that was tabled in Parliament today.
On May 23, 2008, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Batu Puteh belonged to Singapore while Middle Rocks was awarded to Malaysia.
The RCI added: "Another lesson is that a piece of an inquiry letter from external parties, along with written responses, can potentially be used as evidence by those parties to claim rights and sovereignty over national territory.
"Carelessly issued or uninformed statements can be used by opposing parties, which could harm the nation's interests. Therefore, every action and decision related to policy matters involving sovereignty and national interests must be made with caution and guided by the law."
The ICJ's ruling on Batu Puteh, which is a small rock approximately the size of a football field, resulted in Malaysia losing sovereignty over it.
Until now, the maritime border dispute between Malaysia and Singapore around Batu Puteh is still in negotiation.
The RCI, chaired by Tun Md Raus Sharif, was tasked with reviewing the handling of matters related to the sovereignty of Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks, and South Ledge.
In February, the government announced that Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia had consented to the establishment of the RCI.
The issue stems from a decision made by the government in 2018 to withdraw Malaysia's application to review the International Court of Justice's decision on the sovereignty of Batu Puteh.
The government was then led by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.