Malaysia Recommends Criminal Probe Into Former PM Mahathir Over Pedra Branca Case

A royal commission alleges Mahathir Mohamad misled the government in 2018, leading to the withdrawal of Malaysia's challenge to an ICJ ruling favoring Singapore.

• A Royal Commission of Inquiry has recommended investigating former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad for allegedly deceiving the government in a territorial dispute with Singapore.
• The case involves Pedra Branca, an islet awarded to Singapore by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2008, which Malaysia unsuccessfully sought to challenge in 2017.
• The inquiry claims Mahathir ordered the withdrawal of Malaysia's legal challenge in 2018, citing a letter he sent to the attorney general's office halting proceedings.
• If found guilty of misleading the government, Mahathir could face up to seven years in prison, a fine, or both, under Malaysian law.
• Singapore has stated that this remains an internal matter for Malaysia and does not expect it to impact bilateral relations.

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South China Morning Post CNA