#RomeStatute: Netizens’ take on withdrawal

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced Malaysia’s ratification withdrawal from Rome Statute of International Criminal Court (ICC) after a Cabinet meeting last Friday.

 

During a press conference, Tun Mahathir addressed the withdrawal: “… we will withdraw our ratification of the Statute of Rome because of confusion, not because we believe it is going to be bad for us but because of the confusion created by one particular person who wants to be free to beat up people and things like that. And if he beats up people again, I will send the police to arrest him, I don’t care who he is.”

 

When asked who he meant in his speech, Dr Mahathir simply answered: “You can make your guess, you are welcome.”

 

Following Mahathir’s remarks, netizens reacted in the social media, particularly on Twitter.

 

Malaysia, Malaysia Indicator, Rome Statute, Mahathir Mohamad, YDPA, royalty

 

Describing it as “metal”, this tweet has received 39 retweets and 52 likes.

 

Malaysia, Malaysia Indicator, Rome Statute, Mahathir Mohamad, YDPA, royalty

 

The use of idiom “Siapa makan cili dia rasa pedas”, which translates into “If the shoe fits, wear it”. This tweet received 322 retweets and 306 likes.

 

Malaysia, Malaysia Indicator, Rome Statute, Mahathir Mohamad, YDPA, royalty

 

The caption “he went there” used to highlight Mahathir’s bravery to call out that one person he meant in his speech, even without stating the name. This tweet gained 790 retweets and 715 likes.

 

Malaysia, Malaysia Indicator, Rome Statute, Mahathir Mohamad, YDPA, royalty

 

The use of the word “panglima” to describe Dr Mahathir as the “warrior”. This tweet gained 4 retweets and 17 likes.

 

While most people are disappointed with the Cabinet’s decision to withdraw Malaysia’s ratification of Rome Statute, it seems like some are still supporting Mahathir’s decision and believe it is for the better of the nation.