KUALA LUMPUR – Prominent lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla has slammed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman for distorting her stance on the decision to withdraw the review of the Batu Puteh issue.
In a Facebook video posted today, Haniff referenced Azalina’s statement from February, where she stated that the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) was established to bolster national sovereignty.
He pointed out that this contradicts her recent assertion, where she claimed that the decision regarding the Batu Puteh issue was made “secretly” and “solely” by a former prime minister.
“On February 27, Azalina herself stated that the RCI on Batu Puteh was formed to enhance national sovereignty, yet now she contradicts her own statement by alleging that the decision to withdraw the review at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was made ‘secretly’ by a former prime minister.”
Haniff labelled Azalina’s statement as “perplexing” because the RCI operates under the king’s jurisdiction.
“Furthermore, why would the government, under king’s rule, initiate an investigation against the RCI? It is evident that Azalina’s recent remarks about forming a Special Task Force contradict the purpose of the RCI,” he said.
Haniff advised all parties, particularly Azalina, to refrain from making statements that could undermine the RCI and its credibility.
He noted that Azalina herself mentioned that the RCI secretary had been preparing to commence proceedings this month.
Haniff urged Azalina to exercise patience and show respect for the RCI in handling the Batu Puteh matter further.
Yesterday, Azalina disclosed that an “individual” who made decisions “secretly” is responsible for Malaysia losing Batu Puteh during the appeals process at the international court.
Without specifying the individual, she revealed that this leader had acted independently, without informing anyone, including the attorney general, who was placed on “forced leave” at the time. – April 2, 2024