Rulers: Settle 1MDB issue fast

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malay Rulers want the Government to complete the investigation into the 1Malaysia Development Berhad controversy as soon as possible and take “the appropriate stern action” against all found to be implicated.

In a statement, their royal highnesses stressed that all concerned should extend “real and sincere” cooperation for the investigation to achieve its objectives.

“The findings of the investigation must be reported comprehensively and in a transparent manner so the people will be convinced of the sincerity of the Government which shall not at all conceal facts and the truth,” they said.

The statement was released by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal, Datuk Seri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad, after the pre-council meeting of the Conference of Rulers at Istana Negara yesterday.

The 239th meeting of the Conference of Rulers is scheduled for today and tomorrow.

The statement said: “The failure to give convincing clarifications and answers is feared to have resulted in a crisis of confidence.

“As a consequence, the people believe, whether basing on reality or perception, that this is among the causes for the plunge in the value of the Malaysian Ringgit, impacting the country’s financial market and economic climate negatively and at the same time adversely affecting the world’s view of Malaysia.”

According to the statement, the Malay Rulers were worried that if the issue was not wisely handled, and was allowed to drag on, it could jeopardise the country’s economy and the livelihood of the people.

“To ensure that the Government enjoys the people’s trust, that leaders are respected, that political stability is guaranteed and that the economy continues to grow, all leaders must constantly ensure that justice is meted out equitably and transparently based on the law,” they said.

For this, the statement said, enforcement agencies and regulatory institutions such as the police, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Bank Negara, Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Judiciary, as well as related government bodies, should be worthy of God’s trust and the people’s faith in transparency, credibility and integrity.

The Malay Rulers also wanted the leaders to give priority to factors of security, tranquillity, peace and harmony and place national and the people’s concerns above their personal interests.

“The Malay Rulers take seriously issues affecting race and religion and would like to remind leaders of political parties and non-governmental organisations not to sensationalise racial and religious issues to garner support,” the statement said.

Their royal highnesses said the long-prevailing inter-racial and inter-religious harmony and solidarity had been the main pillar for the stability of an independent, peaceful, progressive and prosperous Malaysia.

As such, they said, the harmony and solidarity of the people should be safeguarded at all times and never be sacrificed for shallow political aims. ­— Bernama