KUALA LUMPUR: The political landscape in Malaysia is heating up as authorities have launched an investigation into Abdul Hadi Awang, the president of the Islamist party Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS). This follows alleged incendiary comments he made on social media regarding the contentious Pedra Branca issue, a territorial dispute between Malaysia and Singapore that has long stirred tensions.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain announced on December 19 that a formal report was filed concerning Abdul Hadi's statements shared earlier in the week. These comments raised alarms about potential public unrest, prompting police action.

“A detailed investigation is currently underway,” Razarudin stated. He explained that the probe is being conducted under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, which addresses statements that could incite public alarm, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for misuse of network facilities.

Abdul Hadi's comments, made on platforms X and Facebook, implied that the acknowledgment of claims over Pedra Branca unfairly targeted innocent parties. He referenced a historical agreement from September 21, 1953, alleging it facilitated the transfer of sovereignty over the Pedra Branca islet to Singapore.

This claim links back to a letter from Johor's Acting State Secretary to Singapore's Colonial Secretary, which stated that the Johor government did not assert ownership of Pedra Branca. This critical point was pivotal in the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) decision on the matter in 2008.

In his post, Abdul Hadi accused political figures, including former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, of misleading the public regarding the territory. He stated, “Now the stupid act is openly covered by liars by blaming Mahathir, who had nothing to do with handing over (Pedra Branca) to the (British) colonialists.

This controversy comes on the heels of a report released by the Malaysian Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) earlier this month, which proposed a criminal investigation against Mahathir. The RCI suggested he could be held responsible for dropping claims over Pedra Branca and another islet, South Ledge, during his second tenure as prime minister.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed intentions to revisit the 2018 decision that dropped Malaysia's application challenging the ICJ ruling recognizing Singapore's sovereignty over Pedra Branca. This decision has been a point of contention, with implications for national identity and territorial integrity.

The Pedra Branca dispute stretches back to 1979, when Malaysia published a map claiming the island fell within its territorial waters. The islet lies approximately 44 kilometers east of Singapore's mainland and is significant for both nations.

Adding to the political intrigue, Mahathir has maintained that the 2018 decision was not made unilaterally but was a collective choice involving Cabinet members. Yet, other politicians involved have claimed they were not adequately consulted, alleging that Malaysia's retraction of its claims was communicated to Singapore hastily, before any Cabinet discussions could occur.

This unfolding saga underscores the fragile nature of political alliances in Malaysia and raises questions regarding the safeguarding of national interests. The investigation into Abdul Hadi offers a glimpse into the complexities of Malaysian politics, where history, identity, and sovereignty converge in a turbulent landscape. As developments continue, all eyes will be on the repercussions for both Abdul Hadi and Mahathir, and their potential impact on the future of PAS and the broader political climate in Malaysia.

Stay tuned as efforts to navigate this territorial controversy unfold, revealing layers of political maneuvering and the fight for national narrative.