Batu Puteh RCI
A Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) was established in 2024 to examine the Malaysian government's 2018 decision to discontinue legal efforts to review the International Court of Justice ruling that awarded Pedra Branca (Batu Puteh) to Singapore. The RCI investigated who was responsible for dropping the review and its implications for national sovereignty, with hearings focusing on former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad. The inquiry concluded with recommendations for a criminal probe against Dr Mahathir over alleged cheating in the Batu Puteh dispute, which the panel described as revealing 'treachery' against Malaysia. Subsequent legal proceedings have seen Dr Mahathir appeal RCI findings, with courts adjourning hearings to allow new evidence and postponing his attempts to attend RCI proceedings.
Key facts
- The RCI was established in 2024 to examine the 2018 decision to discontinue legal efforts to review the ICJ ruling on Batu Puteh.
- The RCI investigated former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's role in the Batu Puteh decision and its implications for national sovereignty.
- The RCI concluded with recommendations for a criminal probe against Dr Mahathir over alleged cheating in the Batu Puteh dispute.
- The RCI panel described the Batu Puteh matter as revealing 'treachery' against Malaysia.
- In December 2024, Dewan Rakyat debated the Batu Puteh RCI report, with Azalina stating the motion was not to prosecute anyone.
- In December 2024, Anwar stated the Batu Puteh RCI was not a vendetta against Dr Mahathir.
- In July 2025, courts dismissed Dr Mahathir's bid to challenge decisions preventing his lawyers from attending Batu Puteh RCI proceedings.
- In August 2026, courts adjourned Dr Mahathir's appeal hearings to allow the filing of the Batu Puteh RCI report as fresh evidence.
Analysis
The Batu Puteh RCI was established in 2024 to investigate the 2018 decision by the Malaysian government to cease legal efforts to challenge the ICJ ruling that awarded Pedra Branca to Singapore. The inquiry examined whether former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad was responsible for this decision and its impact on national sovereignty. Throughout 2024 and 2025, Dr Mahathir faced multiple legal setbacks in his attempts to participate in or challenge the RCI process, including being denied the right to attend proceedings and having his bids to challenge procedural decisions dismissed by courts. In late 2024, the RCI report was debated in Dewan Rakyat, with officials like Azalina stating the motion to debate was not intended to prosecute anyone, while Anwar maintained the RCI was not a vendetta against Dr Mahathir. By mid-2025, Dr Mahathir continued to appeal RCI findings, with courts adjourning hearings to allow his legal team to file new evidence, including the RCI report itself, as fresh evidence in his appeal. In early 2026, further adjournments were granted to allow the submission of RCI findings, indicating ongoing legal engagement with the inquiry's outcomes. The RCI's conclusions, which included allegations of 'treachery' and recommendations for criminal investigation, have remained central to Dr Mahathir's legal challenges and public discourse surrounding the Batu Puteh sovereignty issue.
This explanation is generated from the cited news sources below. It states only what those sources support.
Timeline
Wednesday ruling if Mahathir can have lawyers at Batu Puteh RCI
A ruling was made regarding whether Mahathir could have legal representation at the Batu Puteh RCI proceedings.
news.google.comRCI chairman presents Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge report to Agong
The RCI chairman presented the report on Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks, and South Ledge to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
news.google.comBatu Puteh RCI report to be tabled in Parliament
It was announced that the Batu Puteh RCI report would be tabled in Parliament.
news.google.comBatu Puteh RCI recommends criminal probe on Dr Mahathir but panel divided
The Batu Puteh RCI recommended a criminal probe against Dr Mahathir over the Batu Puteh dispute, though the panel was divided on this recommendation.
news.google.comRCI calls for police report against Mahathir over Batu Puteh dispute, citing alleged cheating
The RCI called for a police report against Mahathir over the Batu Puteh dispute, citing alleged cheating.
news.google.comAnwar says Batu Puteh RCI report reveals ‘treachery’ against Malaysia, shouldn’t be taken lightly
Anwar Ibrahim stated that the Batu Puteh RCI report reveals 'treachery' against Malaysia and should not be taken lightly.
news.google.comEx-AG Apandi backs criminal probe against Dr M over Malaysia’s loss of Pulau Batu Puteh
Former Attorney General Apandi Ali supported the idea of a criminal probe against Dr Mahathir regarding Malaysia's loss of Pulau Batu Puteh.
news.google.comExplained: Why the RCI on Batu Puteh is suggesting a criminal probe against Dr Mahathir
An explanation was provided on why the RCI on Batu Puteh is suggesting a criminal probe against Dr Mahathir.
news.google.comRedacted Royal Commission of Inquiry report on Pulau Batu Puteh leaves public guessing
The redacted Batu Puteh RCI report left the public guessing about its contents and conclusions.
news.google.comMahathir’s attorney questions integrity of Batu Puteh RCI, says 47 pages of the report redacted
Dr Mahathir's attorney questioned the integrity of the Batu Puteh RCI, stating that 47 pages of the report were redacted.
news.google.comAfter Batu Puteh RCI suggests crime, Dr Mahathir claims being made scapegoat
Following the RCI's suggestion of criminal action, Dr Mahathir claimed he was being made a scapegoat.
news.google.comTun M alleges Malaysia's Batu Puteh sovereignty claim long been lost
Dr Mahathir alleged that Malaysia's sovereignty claim over Batu Puteh had long been lost.
news.google.comTun M says Batu Puteh royal inquiry politically motivated, welcomes criminal probe to clear his name
Dr Mahathir said the Batu Puteh royal inquiry was politically motivated but welcomed a criminal probe to clear his name.
news.google.comDr Mahathir denies being treacherous in making Batu Puteh decision
Dr Mahathir denied being treacherous in making the decision regarding Batu Puteh.
news.google.comMotion to debate Batu Puteh RCI sparks fierce debate, Azalina says it isn't to prosecute anyone
A motion to debate the Batu Puteh RCI report sparked fierce debate, with Azalina stating it was not intended to prosecute anyone.
news.google.comBatu Puteh RCI: AG, as an independent body has power to initiate investigations, says Azalina
Azalina stated that the Attorney General, as an independent body, has the power to initiate investigations based on the Batu Puteh RCI findings.
news.google.comDEWAN RAKYAT DEBATES BATU PUTEH RCI REPORT
The Dewan Rakyat debated the Batu Puteh RCI report.
news.google.comBatu Puteh RCI not vendetta against Dr M, says Anwar
Anwar Ibrahim stated that the Batu Puteh RCI is not a vendetta against Dr Mahathir.
news.google.comFahmi calls for declassification of Special Task Force report on Batu Puteh
Fahmi called for the declassification of the Special Task Force report on Batu Puteh.
news.google.comTun Mahathir Fails Bid To Attend Batu Puteh RCI Proceedings
Dr Mahathir's bid to attend the Batu Puteh RCI proceedings was unsuccessful, reinforcing his exclusion from the inquiry process.
news.google.comMahathir denied right to be present at Batu Puteh RCI
Mahathir was denied the right to be present at the Batu Puteh RCI proceedings.
news.google.comCourt dismisses Dr M’s bid to challenge decision to not allow his lawyers to be at Batu Puteh RCI
The court dismissed Dr Mahathir's bid to challenge the decision not to allow his lawyers to be present at the Batu Puteh RCI.
news.google.comAnwar: Dr Mahathir ‘at fault’ on Batu Puteh, but Opposition will cry foul if we take a 100-year-old to court
Anwar Ibrahim stated that Dr Mahathir was 'at fault' regarding Batu Puteh but warned that taking a 100-year-old to court would draw criticism from the opposition.
news.google.comDr M denied the chance to vindicate himself over Batu Puteh, lawyers say
Lawyers said Dr Mahathir was denied the opportunity to vindicate himself before the Batu Puteh RCI regarding his role in the dispute.
news.google.comNo charges for Dr Mahathir on Batu Puteh, Anwar says Cabinet made call, not AG
Anwar stated that no charges would be brought against Dr Mahathir over Batu Puteh, clarifying that the decision not to prosecute was made by the Cabinet, not the Attorney General's chambers.
news.google.comHanipa warns Anwar against 'premature' comments on Batu Puteh case
Hanipa Maidin warned Anwar Ibrahim against making 'premature' comments on the Batu Puteh case, urging caution in public statements.
news.google.comHearing of Dr M's appeal to attend Batu Puteh RCI proceedings postponed
The hearing of Dr Mahathir's appeal to attend the Batu Puteh RCI proceedings was postponed.
news.google.comAppellate bench adjourns Tun M’s appeal hearing to allow his lawyers to file Pulau Batu Puteh RCI findings
The appellate bench adjourned Tun Mahathir's appeal hearing to allow his lawyers to file the Batu Puteh RCI findings.
news.google.comLawyer files bid to add RCI report as fresh evidence in Dr M’s Pulau Batu Puteh hearing
A lawyer filed a bid to include the Batu Puteh RCI report as fresh evidence in Dr Mahathir's ongoing legal hearing regarding the Pulau Batu Puteh matter.
news.google.comCourt adjourns Dr M’s Batu Puteh RCI appeal to allow new evidence
The court adjourned Dr Mahathir's appeal related to the Batu Puteh RCI to allow the submission of new evidence, including the RCI report.
news.google.com
Relationship graph
People, organisations and items linked to this issue. Hover a node to focus its connections; names in blue link to a tracked politician profile.
- Attorney General (AG)organization
As an independent body, has the power to initiate investigations based on the Batu Puteh RCI report, according to Azalina.
- Attorney General (AG) of Malaysiaorganization
Described as an independent body with the power to initiate investigations based on the Batu Puteh RCI findings.
- Attorney General of Malaysiaorganization
Affirmed as having independent power to initiate investigations based on the Batu Puteh RCI findings.
- Attorney General's Chambers (AGC)organization
Referenced in discussions about prosecutorial authority; Anwar clarified that the decision not to charge Dr Mahathir was made by Cabinet, not the AGC.
- Batu Puteh Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI)organization
Established in 2024 to investigate the Malaysian government's 2018 decision to cease legal efforts to review the ICJ ruling that awarded Pedra Branca to Singapore.
- Dewan Rakyatorganization
Parliamentary body that debated the Batu Puteh RCI report in December 2024.
- International Court of Justice (ICJ)organization
Awarded sovereignty over Pedra Branca (Batu Puteh) to Singapore in 2008, a ruling Malaysia sought to review before discontinuing legal efforts in 2018.
- Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on Batu Putehorganization
Established in 2024 to investigate the 2018 decision to discontinue legal efforts to review the ICJ ruling on Pedra Branca; examined Dr Mahathir's role and recommended criminal probe.
- Anwar Ibrahimperson
Prime Minister of Malaysia; commented on the Batu Puteh RCI findings, stating it was not a vendetta against Dr Mahathir but revealed 'treachery' against Malaysia.
- Apandi Aliperson
Former Attorney General, backed the idea of a criminal probe against Dr Mahathir over Malaysia’s loss of Pulau Batu Puteh.
- Azalinaperson
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), stated that the Batu Puteh RCI motion to debate was not to prosecute anyone and that the AG has power to initiate investigations.
- Azalina Othman Saidperson
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform); stated the Batu Puteh RCI debate in Dewan Rakyat was not to prosecute anyone and affirmed the AG's power to initiate investigations.
- Dr Mahathir Mohamadperson
Former Prime Minister of Malaysia; central figure in the Batu Puteh RCI investigations regarding the 2018 decision to discontinue legal efforts on Pedra Branca/Batu Puteh.
- Fahmiperson
Called for the declassification of the Special Task Force report on Batu Puteh.
- Fahmi Fadzilperson
Communications Minister; called for the declassification of the Special Task Force report on Batu Puteh to enhance transparency.
- Hanipa Maidinperson
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department; warned Anwar Ibrahim against making 'premature' comments on the Batu Puteh case.
- Yang di-Pertuan Agongperson
Recipient of the Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks, and South Ledge report presented by the RCI chairman in June 2024.
- Pedra Branca (Batu Puteh)place
The island at the center of the sovereignty dispute between Malaysia and Singapore, awarded to Singapore by the ICJ in 2008.
News collection(63)
Appellate bench adjourns Tun M’s appeal hearing to allow his lawyers to file Pulau Batu Puteh RCI findings - The Edge Malaysia
Court adjourns Dr M’s Batu Puteh RCI appeal to allow new evidence - Free Malaysia Today
Lawyer files bid to add RCI report as fresh evidence in Dr M’s Pulau Batu Puteh hearing - The Star
Hearing of Dr M's appeal to attend Batu Puteh RCI proceedings postponed - NST Online
Hearing of Dr M's appeal to attend Batu Puteh RCI proceedings postponed - The Star
Hanipa warns Anwar against 'premature' comments on Batu Puteh case - Malaysiakini
No charges for Dr Mahathir on Batu Puteh, Anwar says Cabinet made call, not AG - Malay Mail
Dr M denied the chance to vindicate himself over Batu Puteh, lawyers say - Free Malaysia Today
Anwar: Dr Mahathir ‘at fault’ on Batu Puteh, but Opposition will cry foul if we take a 100-year-old to court - Malay Mail
Tun Mahathir Fails Bid To Attend Batu Puteh RCI Proceedings - BusinessToday Malaysia
Mahathir denied right to be present at Batu Puteh RCI - Free Malaysia Today
Court dismisses Dr M’s bid to challenge decision to not allow his lawyers to be at Batu Puteh RCI - The Edge Malaysia
Fahmi calls for declassification of Special Task Force report on Batu Puteh - The Malaysian Reserve
Batu Puteh RCI not vendetta against Dr M, says Anwar - Free Malaysia Today
Motion to debate Batu Puteh RCI sparks fierce debate, Azalina says it isn't to prosecute anyone - The Edge Malaysia
DEWAN RAKYAT DEBATES BATU PUTEH RCI REPORT - Bernama
Batu Puteh RCI: AG, as an independent body has power to initiate investigations, says Azalina - The Star
Tun M says Batu Puteh royal inquiry politically motivated, welcomes criminal probe to clear his name - KLSE Screener
Dr Mahathir denies being treacherous in making Batu Puteh decision - The Star
Tun M says Batu Puteh royal inquiry politically motivated, welcomes criminal probe to clear his name - The Edge Malaysia
Mahathir’s attorney questions integrity of Batu Puteh RCI, says 47 pages of the report redacted - The Edge Malaysia
Tun M alleges Malaysia's Batu Puteh sovereignty claim long been lost - The Edge Malaysia
After Batu Puteh RCI suggests crime, Dr Mahathir claims being made scapegoat - Malay Mail
Redacted Royal Commission of Inquiry report on Pulau Batu Puteh leaves public guessing - The Edge Malaysia
Explained: Why the RCI on Batu Puteh is suggesting a criminal probe against Dr Mahathir - Malay Mail
Anwar says Batu Puteh RCI report reveals ‘treachery’ against Malaysia, shouldn’t be taken lightly - Daily Express Malaysia
Ex-AG Apandi backs criminal probe against Dr M over Malaysia’s loss of Pulau Batu Puteh - Malay Mail
Chronology of the Pulau Batu Puteh case - NST Online
RCI: Mahathir deceived cabinet on Batu Puteh, criminal probe warranted - Malaysiakini
Batu Puteh RCI recommends criminal probe into Dr M - Free Malaysia Today
Batu Puteh RCI recommends criminal probe on Dr Mahathir but panel divided - The Edge Malaysia
RCI calls for police report against Mahathir over Batu Puteh dispute, citing alleged cheating - The Online Citizen
RCI recommends criminal probe into Dr M over Batu Puteh dispute - The Vibes
What we should know about Batu Puteh - NST Online
[UPDATED] RCI recommends criminal probe into Dr Mahathir over Batu Puteh dispute - NST Online
Tun M not subject matter of Batu Puteh RCI, says senior federal counsel - The Edge Malaysia
Batu Puteh RCI report to be tabled in Parliament - The Star
The rocky dispute between Malaysia and Singapore over Batu Puteh - Free Malaysia Today
RCI chairman presents Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge report to Agong - Malay Mail
RCI presents to Agong on Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks, South Ledge sovereignty issues - scoop.my
Mahathir says cabinet decided to withdraw review on Batu Puteh - The Edge Malaysia
Wednesday ruling if Mahathir can have lawyers at Batu Puteh RCI - Free Malaysia Today
After threatening to boycott, Mahathir now demands to attend RCI proceedings on Pulau Batu Puteh - The Edge Malaysia
Can Tun M avoid attending the RCI on Pulau Batu Puteh? - Focus Malaysia
Lawyer says will advise Dr Mahathir to skip Batu Puteh RCI if ex-CJ Raus remains as chairman - Malay Mail
Batu Puteh RCI established with ex-CJ Raus as chairman - Malay Mail
How Malaysia let Pulau Batu Puteh go - www.scoop.my
Please ensure Batu Puteh RCI has merits in protecting Malaysia’s sovereignty, not a propaganda tool - Focus Malaysia
Cabinet approves RCI to revisit Batu Puteh sovereignty - Focus Malaysia
Ahmad Terrirudin to take over as new attorney-general on Sept 6 | Malaysia - The Vibes
AG says Cabinet views decision to withdraw revision of Pulau Batu Puteh case as 'not in order' - The Edge Malaysia
What is next for Batu Puteh? - The Star
High Court allows application by PM, govt to strike out individual suit on Pulau Batu Puteh - The Edge Malaysia
Task force on Pulau Batu Puteh waste of time, says lawyer - Free Malaysia Today
4 lawyers join Apandi’s task force on Pulau Batu Puteh - Free Malaysia Today
Govt abandoned Pulau Batu Puteh case review after consulting foreign lawyers - Free Malaysia Today
Dr M says Malaysia accepts Pulau Batu Puteh loss to Singapore - Malay Mail
AGC: Apandi did not tell the truth on Pulau Batu Puteh case - NST Online
Malaysia Attorney-General Apandi to lead 7-member team against Singapore in Pedra Branca case - The Straits Times
Revealed: M'sia's new evidence of sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh - NST Online
Malaysia basing new Batu Puteh challenge on declassified UK papers - Malay Mail
Pulau Batu Puteh: M'sia has good case to apply for ICJ revision, says admiral - NST Online
Singapore to study Malaysia’s challenge to Pulau Batu Puteh judgment - Malay Mail
All information on this page is drawn from the cited public news sources above.Back to all issues