Pulau Batu Puteh inquiry: Mahathir walks out in protest against Apandi as panel chief

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Mahathir refuses to cooperate as long as Apandi heads task force.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad refused to cooperate in the review of actions and legal issues regarding the Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge as long as Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali was chairing the special task force set up for the case.

The former prime minister said he would only cooperate after Apandi was replaced.

He also insisted on the presence of a third party that was neutral to ensure the inquiry into the case was just.

“I came here to the Attorney-General’s Chambers today for the inquiry by the special task force.

“However, upon my arrival, I was told by one of the officers here that Apandi is still the chairman of the special task force.

“Therefore, I told them I will not cooperate,” said the Langkawi member of Parliament.

Dr Mahathir stressed that Apandi should be summoned as a witness into the inquiry instead of chairing the task force.

He added that he had written a number of times seeking to replace Apandi but to no avail.

“This is nonsense.

“I have no qualms to whoever is being appointed (to chair the task force) as long as there is no conflict of interest and that the person must be impartial.

Bernama

“I will cooperate and provide all the information as well as the truth (only after Apandi has been replaced),” he said.