King Calls For All-out Fight Against Corruption
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 (Bernama) -- His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has expressed firm resolve to wage an all-out fight against corruption, stressing that no individual should be shielded from legal action.
His Majesty said efforts to combat corruption must not focus solely on the bribe takers, but that those who offer bribes, agents or any parties acting in collusion must also be investigated and dealt with firmly.
“I have said before that I came to Kuala Lumpur to hunt down corrupt individuals, and it seems I have now found them. I am deeply disappointed that corruption cases have occurred within the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), extending to the highest levels. Perhaps after this, I should appoint only a sergeant as the Chief of Defence Force.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg. I am confident there are many more out there, whether in the Customs Department, Immigration, the police and so on, as well as those present in this chamber, who will continue to be hunted down until found,” His Majesty said.
Sultan Ibrahim said this in his royal address at the opening of the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament for the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara here today.
Sultan Ibrahim stressed that any elected representative, member of the government administration or civil servant involved in corruption is a traitor to the nation for betraying the trust of the people.
“To all Honourable Members and civil servants, remember that the positions you hold are a trust from the people and the nation. If you abuse your power, misappropriate public funds and accept bribes or collude to protect bribe givers, you are a ‘traitor to the nation’,” His Majesty said.
In this regard, Sultan Ibrahim said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) must conduct investigations swiftly, firmly and thoroughly, regardless of rank or position.
In strengthening efforts to combat corruption, Sultan Ibrahim said the government must also provide experienced judges and special court channels so that corruption trials can be resolved expeditiously.
“Corruption must be fought on a large scale. The people must act as the eyes and report any form of corrupt practices,” His Majesty said.
“I would like to remind everyone that all plans that are made will not be effective if corruption continues to be rampant,” His Majesty said.
Sultan Ibrahim also extended his congratulations on Malaysia’s success as ASEAN Chair and on the hosting of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur last year.
“I also congratulate Malaysia for recording positive economic growth of 4.7 per cent last year despite the world facing various challenges, with unemployment and inflation remaining low and hardcore poverty standing at 0.09 per cent,” His Majesty said.
-- BERNAMA
