Malaysia backtracks on decision to join International Criminal Court amid royal opposition

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad announced the decision on Friday in a strongly worded speech in which he angrily alluded to royal influence

His Pakatan Harapan government had been on track to ratify the treaty establishing the court after signing an instrument of accession last month

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The International Criminal Court in The Hague. Photo: ICC

Published: 8:07pm, 5 Apr 2019Updated: 5:40am, 6 Apr 2019

Malaysia has once again caved to hardline pressure by backing out of ratifying an international treaty on war crimes and genocide, raising questions about the new administration’s political strength.

Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad announced on Friday that the country would not be ratifying the Rome Statute, which means anyone who commits crimes against humanity in Malaysia would not have impunity and could be tried in the International Criminal Court.

He cited widespread national confusion on the nature of the agreement.

“Because of this confusion, and the confusion also among the rulers, we have made a decision that we will not recognise the Statute of Rome,” he said.

“We have ratified it, but still have time to withdraw. And we will withdraw. Not because it is harmful to us, but because of the political confusion raised by some people, including those with political ambitions.”

Malaysian Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah. Photo: AP

Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah had signed the treaty’s instrument of accession last month, but the Pakatan Harapan government’s interest in the treaty sparked criticism from opposition members and some of the country’s powerful Islamic rulers.