To download Full RCI report, click HERE
Kota Kinabalu, Wednesday, 18 December 2024
The RCI report on Batu Puteh is a must read for Sabah government ministers and officials because the report reinforced my earlier view that the Sabah government cannot simply leave international and even external defence matters to the federal government alone. The Sabah government has a duty to the country and to Sabah to make sure that the Federal Government is fully equipped with input and facts from Sabah in order to maximise our protection and sovereignty.
Johor State Government left out
At pages 140 and 141, the RCI noted that the Federal Government never involved the Johor State Government in the Application to Revise the ICJ judgment and Application to seek an Interpretation of the judgment (on Batu Puteh, Middle Rock and South Ledge).
The decision of the Federal government to discontinue the applications (appeal) also did not involve the Johore State Government.
The RCI commented that the decision to discontinue (the appeal) caused Johor to lose the chance to get back its territory (Batu Puteh island).
The RCI noted that the then Federal Attorney General informed only the Johor Sultan of the decision to discontinue the applications to ICJ. Apparently, the Federal AG did not inform the Johor State government, because of “official secrets”.
The RCI pointed out this (not informing the Johor state government) caused Johor government being unable to take any action, to give feedback and views, and to assist in strengthening the applications (and appeal) to ICJ.
Lack of responsibility and accountability
The 238-page RCI report offers very relevant lessons for the Sabah government because the RCI pointed out several weaknesses in government administration, the lack of coordination among key government Ministries, the AG Chambers and maritime legal experts. Isn’t it probable that similar weaknesses also exist in the Sabah government administration?
Reading the RCI report can remind the Sabah government of the importance of Government by Cabinet and the importance of having a high calibre civil service that can provide top quality advice to the Cabinet.
The RCI lamented a lack of responsibility and accountability at top levels of the civil service (pages 178, 179 etc.)
It is scary to think that weaknesses in our government administration can lead to irreparable losses for the nation, including in this case, the loss of sovereign territory.
Datuk Yong Teck Lee
Ex-Chief Minister
President, SAPP