Will Mahathir succeed in pressuring Anwar to make another U-turn on Batu Puteh?
Mahathir is demanding an apology from Anwar, but says he will only deserve one if proven innocent in court.
The real question now is whether Anwar will bow to Mahathir's persistent challenge and reopen the case files that were shelved.
For Mahathir, this would mark a significant political win, forcing Anwar into yet another U-turn on an issue previously positioned as critical to his administration's accountability stance.
Yesterday, Mahathir reiterated that he is unafraid of prosecution, provided there is clear evidence he acted wrongly in the 2008 decision to withdraw Malaysia's challenge over Batu Puteh at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
'If I did wrong, take me to court and try me. If it's true I sold (Batu Puteh), if it's true I gave it away, then I will be punished. But if it's not true, then the person accusing me should apologise,' Mahathir said.
He was responding to Anwar's earlier remarks that the Cabinet refrained from pursuing legal action due to Mahathir's advanced age, even though the Prime Minister still held him responsible for the loss of the island to Singapore.
Mahathir defended his administration's decision as one based on facts and legal reasoning. Whether Anwar will hold firm or shift course remains to be seen. —July 27, 2025
Main image: Malay Mail
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
ICJ ruling demands climate leadership, energy transition
LETTERS: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has sent a strong message to the world: taking serious action on climate change is not just a good idea — it is a legal duty. In a landmark advisory opinion released on July 23, the ICJ confirmed that countries have clear obligations under international law to protect people and the planet from the impacts of climate change. While not legally binding, this determination by the Court carries weight. It will shape how governments, investors, companies and courts understand their responsibilities. And it puts Malaysia — as both a fossil-fuel-producing nation and a regional leader — under the spotlight. A critical element of the advisory opinion is its link between climate and human rights. "The full enjoyment of human rights cannot be ensured without the protection of the climate system," the Court said. In simple terms: we cannot live safe, healthy lives without a healthy environment. In Malaysia, we are already feeling the consequences of inaction. Floods are worsening. Heatwaves are more frequent. Haze disrupts daily life and harms health, especially for children. These aren't future threats — they are here, and the most vulnerable are hit first. So, what now? First, accelerate the energy transition. The government must end fossil fuel subsidies and redirect that money into renewable energy, public transport and support for workers in high-carbon industries. The transition must also be just — rural and lower-income communities need to benefit, not be left behind. According to the World Bank, Malaysia spent RM52 billion on blanket fossil fuel subsidies in 2022. Redirected to clean energy, that could fund 15 to 17 gigawatts of solar power — enough for over five million homes — or build thousands of megawatts of grid-scale battery storage to stabilise a renewables-powered grid. It could electrify rural areas, support transition funds for oil and gas workers, and modernise the national grid to meet future demand. In short, RM52 billion could kickstart a job-creating, emissions-cutting energy revolution. Second, regulate polluters. Companies must be held accountable for their emissions. Voluntary commitments and ESG talk are not enough. The ICJ has affirmed that governments must act to uphold their international legal obligations. And citizens, media and civil society must hold both government and business to account. Third, lead in Asean and beyond. Malaysia has a chance to shape regional climate action. We should push for shared rules across Southeast Asia on climate ambition, just transition, and environmental safeguards. The Asean 2045 Vision barely addresses climate change or fossil fuel dependency. That must change. If Asean is truly "people-centred", its vision must reflect a serious commitment to protecting its citizens — especially those most vulnerable to climate impacts. The ICJ advisory opinion gives the world a powerful tool to push for stronger, fairer climate action backed by international law. Sunway Centre for Planetary Health Sunway University, Malaysia
Barnama
3 hours ago
- Barnama
MADANI Framework Remains Grounded In Strong Moral Values, National Unity
PUTRAJAYA, July 27 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring that Malaysia's development under the MADANI framework remains grounded in strong moral values and national unity. Speaking at a Majlis Ilmu MADANI event with Islamic scholars at Kompleks Seri Perdana here today, Anwar said that even though Malaysia is a multiracial country, the values of Islam are important in guiding its future. He added that while Malaysia wants to keep up with modern technology and move forward quickly, it should always stay true to strong morals and compassion. "We need to progress. We need to ensure that there is peace and political stability, to craft an economic move forward at a faster pace, an accelerated pace. But at the same time, we are mindful of the fact that as Muslims, the issue of values is very pertinent," he said. Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. Yusuf Islam, the British musician formerly known as Cat Stevens and Dr Shaykha Haifaa Younis, an American Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist who is also a prominent Islamic scholar, were also present. On Gaza, Anwar said the world must not forget the pain and suffering endured by the Palestinian people amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Meanwhile, Haifaa also shared her Gaza journey where the place transformed her into a more spiritual person and left an unshakable imprint on her heart. 'The ummah (the Muslim community) is going through a tough time. Gaza is bleeding. It hurts deeply when I raise my hands to Allah, I know everyone is doing their best, but still I ask, what more can we do.
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Strive for change to the best of one's ability, Anwar reminds PKR members
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) members to hold firmly to the call for islah mastata'tum, meaning to strive for change to the best of one's ability. Anwar, who is also PKR president, said this during a meeting with Federal Territories PKR members in Putrajaya today. "We may not be able to achieve everything in the blink of an eye, but we will continue to advance the reform agenda step by step," he said in a Facebook post. He said the Federal Territories have long stood as one of the strongholds of PKR's struggle, but the party's strength would only be meaningful if it continued to be grounded in core values and grassroots efforts. "Divisions must remain active through programmes that truly engage with the people, regardless of race, age or background," he said. Anwar, who is also finance minister, said that in charting the path forward, criticisms and reminders must be welcomed in the spirit of the struggle. "I thank all who gathered (for the rally in the federal capital) yesterday as it was conducted peacefully. "I am always open to criticism and feedback, although I'm slightly disappointed that no substantive issues were raised. "All we heard was one chant: "Turunkan Anwar" (Step down, Anwar)." "The Opposition Leader is said to be planning to table a motion of no confidence. By all means. "This is a democracy. It is a legitimate process. "If there are sufficient numbers, just bring it to parliament," he said. The prime minister added that he has never claimed the Madani government is perfect, nor is he arrogant about correcting its shortcomings. "What is lacking, we will improve. What remains unresolved, we will continue to work on. "But reform must be implemented in phases so that it can be accepted, understood, and sustained," he said. He said the government has also taken bold and rational steps to ensure that the nation's funds benefit the majority and help ease cost-of-living pressures, without compromising the country's economic fundamentals. "We reduced the price of RON95 petrol to RM1.99 for Malaysians by removing subsidies for foreigners. "Ultimately, PKR must remain a party of the future, a party open to criticism, mature in its actions, and united in purpose. "We are not perfect. But we are sincere. "And as long as there is sincerity and the will to improve, we will continue to move forward beyond those who only know how to shout without direction or solutions," he said. – Bernama
