Calling the incident a black mark in Malaysia’s history, Musa said any party who is sincere in wanting to find the truth behind the incident which resulted in the deaths of 18 people would certainly agree to such a proposal.
“Considering this incident happened 32 years ago and a White Paper had already been presented in Parliament at the time, and that there was no further action to find the truth since then, I don’t see the rationale in wanting to rush into conducting an RCI now.
“On the contrary, postponing the RCI for a number of months, will only serve to increase its credibility, as it will be free of any association with the next general election,” he said in a statement.
Recently, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the government was willing to consider a RCI into the Memali incident, which occurred on Nov 19, 1985.
Dr Mahathir Mohamad was prime minister at the time of the incident at Kampung Memali in Baling, Kedah that saw a confrontation between police and supporters of religious teacher Ibrahim Libya, who resisted attempts to arrest him under the Internal Security Act.
Mahathir had previously claimed he was not in the country during the incident and passed the responsibility to his then deputy Musa, who was also home minister at the time. However, in his autobiography released in 2014, Musa had written that Mahathir was in the country at the time.
In his statement today, Musa expressed his regrets over the incident, saying that he hopes it is not exploited out of respect for the people who lost their lives.
“The Memali tragedy must not be politicised. It remains a black mark in Malaysia’s history that involved the loss of many lives, including civilians and policemen.
“However, what I see is that voices for and against the RCI seem to be treating the incident as political fodder, purely in the hope of getting more votes in GE14.
“Therefore, I feel we need to address this issue without any prejudice or favouritism. Only then, will we get the respect of the people and the international community.”
Musa also suggested those wanting the RCI are only doing it for their own “self-interest”.
“This is a sad testament of what’s happening in the country today. I too have been contacted many times and asked if there should be an RCI.
“I see nothing wrong with the RCI if the intention is sincere in only wanting to get the facts and truth, and if it is based on the Federal Constitution and done according to the law,” he said.
He added the most important thing is for the RCI not to be seen as fulfilling some political agenda, in the short term.
“I fear that if that were the case, the truth will be sacrificed as the whole exercise will likely veer away from its main purpose of finding the truth.”
Kampung Memali, where people still wait for Mahathir’s apology