The Greatest Mistake of Mahathir, Pulau Batu Puteh

The loss of Batu Puteh (Pedra Branca) to Singapore has always been a sore spot for Malaysians. It’s not just about a piece of land—it’s about what it says about our leadership and how things were handled. And now, with the findings from the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI), it’s clear that this chapter is one of the biggest blunders tied to Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad’s leadership.

Let’s go back to the start. The ICJ ruled in 2008 that Batu Puteh belonged to Singapore. Years later, in 2017, Malaysia decided to try and get the decision reviewed, believing we had a strong case. But when Dr. Mahathir returned as Prime Minister in 2018, that effort was suddenly dropped. According to the RCI, this wasn’t something the Cabinet discussed properly or decided on together. Instead, Dr. Mahathir made the call on his own, brushing aside opinions from legal experts who believed we had a solid shot at reclaiming Batu Puteh.

Dr. Mahathir claimed Malaysia’s case was weak, but the RCI found otherwise. International legal experts, like Brendan Plant, thought we had a good argument and didn’t recommend giving up. Still, the government pulled out, and just like that, Malaysia lost any chance of getting Batu Puteh back.

This wasn’t just a bad decision—it was a reckless one. The RCI even suggested that Dr. Mahathir should face a criminal investigation for how he handled it. It’s not every day a former prime minister is accused of actions that cost the country its sovereignty.

This isn’t the first time Dr. Mahathir has been accused of acting unilaterally. His leadership has often been criticized for sidelining institutions and making decisions based on his own agenda. From the judicial crisis of 1988 to his controversial maneuvering for a so-called "unity government," Dr. Mahathir has often placed personal and political interests above collective governance. His insistence on being the sole decision-maker, even to the extent of sidelining the monarchy, has fueled a narrative of power consolidation is clear: when Dr. Mahathir wants something, it’s his way or the highway.

For many Malaysians, the loss of Batu Puteh feels like a betrayal. It’s a reminder of what happens when leaders put their own ambitions above the country’s needs. Dr. Mahathir’s fall from power in 2020, after trying to dissolve his Cabinet and push for a unity government, showed that his time had passed.

The story of Batu Puteh isn’t just about a piece of land. It’s about leadership, accountability, and the consequences of bad decisions. As a nation, we deserve leaders who listen, who consult, and who prioritize Malaysia’s interests above all else. Batu Puteh should never have been lost, and it’s a mistake we shouldn’t forget.