PUTRAJAYA (Malaysia), Dec 14 (NNN-Bernama) — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wants the claim over Batu Puteh (Pedra Branca) to be reviewed through immediate and more ‘meaningful’ negotiations with Singapore without jeopardising bilateral relations.
“I have asked the Attorney-General ((Tan Sri Idrus Harun) for an explanation on the controversial Batu Puteh claim which as it stands has been awarded to Singapore by the ICJ (International Court of Justice) and also any other arising implications.
“I asked that (the matter) be looked into so that there can be more meaningful negotiations with Singapore,” he said at a media conference after chairing the Cabinet meeting here.
On Oct 13, former Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, in a statement, said the Cabinet had agreed for Malaysia to proceed with legal action at the ICJ on the dispute involving the sovereignty over Batu Puteh, Batuan Tengah (Middle Rocks) and Tubir Selatan (South Ledge).
Ismail Sabri said the matter was agreed upon after hearing the presentation and proposals by the special task force to review laws relating to sovereignty over the disputed islets on Oct 7.
— NNN-BERNAMA
