Anwar calls for 'meaningful' talks with Singapore on Batu Puteh claim

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wants the claim on 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 (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 a Cabinet meeting in Putrajaya today.

On Oct 13, former 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 (the South Ledge). 

Ismail 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.
 
Separately, Anwar said the Cabinet meeting today discussed several other pending matters, including the royal commission of inquiry (RCI) reports on issues faced by Tabung Haji. 

He said the RCI chairman, former chief justice Md Raus Sharif, had given a briefing with discussions to continue in January on the issues concerned as well as proposals on how to improve the management of the Islamic financial institution.

The RCI was set up early this year in accordance with the Commission of Inquiry Act 1950 (Act 119) to investigate management and operation issues faced by Tabung Haji. 

It was formed to enable further investigations into arising issues and for recommendations to be submitted to the government to restore the image and confidence of the people in Tabung Haji.