Sultan Ibrahim pledges nationwide anti-graft crackdown, warns corrupt individuals are nation betrayers.
PETALING JAYA: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, vowed to “hunt down” corrupt individuals regardless of position, warning that those who abuse power or accept bribes are betrayers of the nation.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong said he was “deeply disappointed” by corruption cases within the Malaysian Armed Forces that had reached “even the highest levels”, describing the problem as only “the tip of the iceberg”.
“I have said before that I came to Kuala Lumpur to hunt down corrupt individuals, and it appears that I have succeeded.
“I am confident there are many more out there, whether in the Customs Department, Immigration, the Police and others, including those within this House, who will continue to be pursued until they are found,” His Majesty said in his Royal Address at the opening of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament.
Calling for a nationwide crackdown, Sultan Ibrahim said corruption must be fought “on a large scale” and urged the public to act as “the eyes and ears of the nation” by reporting any form of graft.
“Not only should recipients be investigated, but those who offer bribes and agents who conspire must also be brought to justice,” he said.
The king stressed that investigations by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) must be carried out “swiftly, firmly and thoroughly, regardless of rank or position”, and called for experienced judges and special court tracks to ensure corruption cases are resolved quickly.
Addressing Members of Parliament and public servants, the king warned: “If you abuse your power, misappropriate public funds, accept bribes or conspire to protect corrupt individuals, you are betrayers of the country.”
He also reminded that no plan will be perfect if the practice of corruption continues to be widespread.
This year marks the beginning of the 13th Malaysia Plan, which His Majesty said he wants to focus on the well-being of the people, particularly in the areas of education, housing, healthcare and public transportation.
