Irmohizam: Move to review ICJ’s ruling a patriotic act
KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim chastised the opposition for belittling the country over the move to seek a revision of the Hague-based International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) judgment over Pulau Batu Putih.
Irmohizam said the government’s move to seek a review of the decision was a patriotic act.
“The effort to defend the sovereignty over Pulau Batu Putih was not viewed favourably by the opposition.
“They accused the government of politicising the issue,” Irmohizam said.
He described their action as a rhetorical discourse.
“It is about the dignity and sovereignty of the country.
“All parties, including the opposition, should support this fully and put politics aside.
“We should not undermine the ability of our country because such an attitude will only discredit the country,” he said.
Citing Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali, Irmohizam said the AG was confident that in filing for the revision, Article 61 of the ICJ Statute had been met.
“The three newly-discovered documents found at the National Archives of the United Kingdom can be a favourable indicator for Malaysia.
“Pulau Batu Putih is closer to the country.
“It is 7.7 nautical miles off the coast of Johor’s Tanjung Penyusuh compare to Singapore, which is 25.5 nautical miles off Tampines.
“They (the opposition) prefer to see the failure of the country because for them it is the responsibility of the government to maintain the country’s sovereignty and dignity.
“However, it is the responsibility of all,” he said.