Selangor Ruler: Graft and slander a threat to society

KLANG: Corruption and spreading fake news to discredit others are big banes that will destroy the nation, says Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.

The Selangor Ruler voiced his concern again as graft and the dissemination of fake news, with intent to slander, were on the rise among the people, politicians and civil servants.

A statement issued by Istana Alam Shah reiterated the Sultan’s concerns with regard to these issues.

“His Highness stressed that graft and slander, which is currently prevalent, is the main enemy within the community and can destroy our beloved nation.

“His Highness would like to remind the Malays especially that graft and slander are conducts that are prohibited and sinful in Islam, ” said the statement.

Sultan Sharafuddin said that graft and slander had caused division in the nation’s political scenario as well as tarnished the reputation of the country’s administration internationally.

This was reflected in the country’s significant drop in the Corruption Perception Index last year.

“At the same time, His Highness praised Sinar Harian for being brave and coming up with reports on corruption in Malaysia through its Rasuah Busters segment, ” read the statement.

Sultan Sharafuddin said he was shocked when reading about the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) disclosure that half of the graft cases in the country involved civil servants.

Given this, the ruler urged the MACC to continue carrying out its duties diligently towards eradicating graft.

His Highness said he also hoped that those committing graft would be stopped immediately with strong evidence, and tried in court speedily and openly so that it would be a deterrent to society.

Sultan Sharafuddin also advised everyone to play a role and stop graft, which was an immoral act that would have a long-term negative impact on society.

He added that the current situation was further aggravated with the propagation of fake news to slander others, which is on the increase in social media.

“His Highness does not want the flaws and divisions in the political arena to expand until the people become divided too, ” said the statement.

Sultan Sharafuddin urged the country’s multiracial citizens to continue being united and smart in brushing aside bad elements like graft and slander, for the sake of the nation and future generations’ well-being.

He also said he believed that if the people were united and loyal, as well as worked hard, the nation would continue to forge ahead.