A report released in parliament on Thursday ( Dec. 5 ) suggested a criminal investigation against former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad over his decision to abandon claims over two islets in the Singapore Strait.
Anwar Ibrahim, the current prime minister, had previously requested a review of a 2018 government decision that saw Malaysia withdraw its challenge to a 2008 International Court of Justice ( ICJ) decision that Singapore had sovereignty over the Pedra Branca island.
In 2017, Malaysia had sought to have the decision overturned, and requested explanation from the Judge on the reputation of another archipelago, South Ledge, according to the classified RCI statement.
A year after Mahathir’s second term as prime secretary, both programs were dropped.
The report, which was redacted in pieces, recommended that 99-year-old Mahathir been investigated for cheating and unjust costs over the dropped states, citing his duties as prime minister to protect and defend Malaysia’s interests and independence.
Mahathir’s company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Under the punitive code, the offences carry prison term of up to seven years, a great, or both, if convicted.
The document, which was sighted by Reuters, even recommended that Mahathir face legal action over the situation.