Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (centre) signing the guest book during an official visit to the Defence Minister at Wisma Pertahanan today. Also seen are Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu (second left), Deputy Defence Minister Senator Liew Chin Tong (second right), Defence Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Halimi Abd Manaf (left) and Armed Forces Chief Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin (right). – Bernama photo
KUALA LUMPUR: The government is to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into alleged misconduct by certain judges, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.
The Prime Minister said the terms of the RCI have yet to be decided.
“It is up to them (RCI) to look into the allegations made by the judge. We will set up the RCI, the terms will be determined later,” he told reporters after an official visit to the Defence Ministry here.
Dr Mahathir was asked to comment on calls for the government to set up an RCI after Court of Appeal Judge Datuk Dr Hamid Sultan Abu Backer, in a 65-page affidavit on Feb 14, alleged scams involving certain top judges and private lawyers to cheat on government monies via failed contracts.
The judge also alleged that there was judicial interference in the late lawyer Karpal Singh’s sedition appeal decision at the Court of Appeal.
On another matter, Dr Mahathir appeared unfazed when questioned about an allegation of a no-confidence vote against his leadership as the prime minister when the Dewan Rakyat convenes on March 11.
“Let’s see if there is a vote of no-confidence. I will see whether PAS supports me or not,” he said.
Last Monday, PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said the party would support Dr Mahathir if there was a plot to oust him as the prime minister.
Dr Mahathir also told reporters that his scheduled official visit to China in April was to obtain more information on projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. – Bernama