KUALA LUMPUR: The report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on the Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge investigation was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat today, following a week of disclosures.
The report, tabled by the Minister in Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said will be debated by 10 members of parliament (MPs) from both blocs.
Among government backbenchers who will take part in the debate are Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) and Yuneswaran Ramaraj (PH-Segamat).
Meanwhile, the opposition MPs include Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin (PN-Larut), Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya) and Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu).
Azalina, when tabling the report, said the government's concern over sovereignty issues of Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge has been demonstrated through the RCI, conducted in line with the Commission of Inquiry Act.
"The report, tabled last Thursday, reflects the Madani government's dedication towards addressing these issues with efficiency and integrity.
"The motion to debate the RCI findings underscores the government's commitment to review the management of matters related to the three territories.
"This debate serves as a platform to propose holistic and effective recommendations to ensure the best outcomes," she said.
On Dec 5, the RCI on Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge recommended that a criminal investigation be initiated against former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The recommendation was included in the 271-page declassified report presented to Parliament.
The RCI said Dr Mahathir withdrew the application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for an interpretation of its ruling without consulting the cabinet in 2018.
According to the RCI, Dr Mahathir could face criminal charges under Section 415(b) of the Penal Code, which could lead to penalties under Section 417 and Section 418 of the same code.
RCI chairman Tun Md Raus Sharif handed over the report to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on Aug 12.
On Tuesday, Dr Mahathir once again denied that the move to withdraw Malaysia's application to review the ICJ's ruling on Batu Puteh was a unilateral decision.
In 2008, the ICJ ruled that Batu Puteh belonged to Singapore while Middle Rocks was awarded to Malaysia.
It also ruled that the ownership of South Ledge would be determined based on the delimitation of territorial waters.
Malaysia filed an application to review ICJ's ruling in 2017, but it was then withdrawn in May 2018.