Royal inquiry into Batu Puteh to start once members are appointed, says Zahid

KAJANG: A Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to study the issues related to the sovereignty of Batu Puteh, Batuan Tengah and Tubir Selatan will commence once its members are appointed by the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Cabinet had discussed the matter and gave the nod for the RCI to be formed.

"I was informed that it will start once the members of the RCI are officially appointed by the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong," he told reporters after his working visit to the Civil Defence Force's headquarters on Wednesday (Jan 24).

It was reported that the Cabinet has decided to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to study the issues related to the sovereignty of Batu Puteh, Batuan Tengah and Tubir Selatan.

The RCI would be carried out in accordance with the Investigation Commission Act 1950 (Act 119) where the suggestion of the RCI is brought to the attention of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali said the members of the commission would be experts who had vast experience in judicial and legal affairs and public administration.

"They must also be capable of undertaking the investigation with full integrity and fairness to prevent any issues which involve a conflict of interest with the related parties," said Mohd Zuki in a statement.