Cabinet follows decision to respect ICJ’s ruling, says Tun M
FORMER Prime Minister (PM) Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (picture), has called on Malaysia to respect the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) 2008 ruling on Pedra Branca or Batu Puteh Island or risk losing their other claims.
(The Malaysian Reserve) – He said the decision to follow ICJ’s decision was made with the full agreement of the Cabinet in 2018, as the Middle Rock and South Ledge as Middle Rock and South Ledge, other disputed territories claimed by Malaysia, are considered to be more valuable than Pulau Batu Puteh, which was awarded to Singapore.
“After reviewing the matter and consulting experts, I concluded that pursuing the claim further would be too risky, potentially resulting in the loss of Middle Rock and South Ledge,”
“Not honouring our commitments would erode trust in Malaysia and complicate future treaty negotiations and international agreements,” he told a press conference today.
Dr Mahathir also pointed out the potential for development at South Ledge, drawing comparisons with Malaysia’s successful development of Layang-Layang in the South China Sea, which has become a strategic hub with a runway, hotel and diving facilities.
“South Ledge offers similar opportunities for strategic and economic growth,” he said.
The ICJ ruling in 2008 awarded Pedra Branca to Singapore while confirming Malaysia’s sovereignty over Middle Rock and South Ledge.
