TMJ speaks for himself on Rome Statute concerns, says Mahathir

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has taken a swipe at Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim over claims that Putrajaya failed to consult the Conference of Rulers on a decision to accede to the Rome Statute.

"He is not an elected representative. He is only speaking for himself," Mahathir told reporters in Parliament today.

In a Twitter posting last night, Tunku Ismail claimed that Putrajaya had undermined the Conference of Rulers when it proceeded to accede to the treaty without prior consultation.

Last Friday, Tunku Ismail had claimed that the move would render the Malay rulers irrelevant and impact the status of Malays and Islam in Malaysia.

He added in a tweet this morning that "orchestrated war crimes" by those wanting to see the fall of a country's royal institution is among the reasons the treaty should be opposed.

Wisma Putra had previously stated that the matter was presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The Rome Statute governs the International Criminal Court (ICC), which tries four core international crimes – genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression.

'Comprehensive address'

On a separate matter, Mahathir also described Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah's inaugural address to the Dewan Rakyat this morning as comprehensive, as it touched on recent issues involving unity, race and religion.

"Certainly it covers unity, and it also covers religion. Not to play around with religion, not to misinterpret religion.

"Its a very comprehensive speech."

Mahathir said this after sending off the king, who officiated the first meeting of the second session of the 14th Parliament this morning.

Among others, Sultan Abdullah urged for the cultivation of genuine racial ties instead of mere slogans for unity, and for authorities to act against attempts to undermine national harmony. - Mkini