Stone of contention


Need to know: The Royal Commission of Inquiry into how Malaysia lost the strategic Batu Puteh to Singapore will hopefully reveal why we did not pursue the matter following the International Court of Justice’s 2008 decision. — Filepic/The Star

MALAYSIA may never regain Batu Puteh following the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) decision in 2008 to award the islet to Singapore, but the setting up of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) will help answer some important questions.

Top of the agenda is surely the decision of then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to drop a review application to the ICJ.

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Wong Chun Wai

Wong Chun Wai

Wong Chun Wai began his career as a journalist in Penang and served Star Media Group for nearly four decades in various capacities and roles. He was group editorial and corporate affairs adviser to the group, after having served as group managing director/chief executive officer. "On The Beat" debuted on Feb 23, 1997. Chun Wai has penned the column weekly without a break, except for occasional press holidays when the paper was not published. In May 2011, a compilation of selected articles of On The Beat was published as a book and launched in conjunction with his 50th birthday. Chun Wai also comments on current issues in The Star. He is now chairman of national news agency Bernama.

Next In Columnists

Varsities need more than freedom
Level up as Gordon, Olise, Kane find their best football away from EPL
Seeking a pause on male menopause
An invitation to trouble?
Complex history, deep pain
Compassion has limits, so must immigration
Behind every finish line, a price paid in silence
Gear up and beat the heat at Sepang’s F1 race
Najib still a thorn from behind bars
Clear rules can ease flag fears

Others Also Read