KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia withdrew its bid to review the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) decision to recognise Singapore's claim over Pulau Batu Puteh based on advice from former attorney-general (A-G) Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali's officers.
Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Apandi's appointment to head the task force to probe into matter was inappropriate because of a conflict of interest.
The former Langkawi member of parliament's remarks comes after caretaker Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the cabinet was informed that there was possible negligence and oversight on Dr Mahathir's part in withdrawing the review bid.
"It should be someone else (heading the task force). However, if you want to take this to the international courts, then let the courts decide," he said after attending Third Age Media Association at Menara Kuala Lumpur.
On whether Malaysia should reclaim Pulau Batu Puteh Island, Mahathir said Malaysia should accept whatever decision the ICJ makes.
"For me, we made a promise to Singapore. We will accept whatever decision is made by the (international) court.
"After that we can't refuse, we promised. Like Pulau Litigan and Sipadan, Indonesia cannot (re)claim because it has been decided by the court.
"We have agreed from the very beginning. We can go to court if we agree that the court's decision will be accepted. Now we want to reject it by not keeping to our promise," he said.
In 2008, the ICJ ruled that Pulau Batu Puteh belonged to Singapore.
The court also ruled on two other nearby maritime features. Middle Rocks was recognised as Malaysia's, while the South Ledge was said to belong "to the state in whose territorial waters it lies". The waters surrounding South Ledge have not been delimited between Malaysia and Singapore.
In June 2017, Malaysia applied to the ICJ to request an interpretation of the judgment.
In 2018, the Pakatan Harapan government, under Dr Mahathir, withdrew an application to review the ICJ's ruling to award Pulau Batu Puteh to Singapore.