KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, has stressed the importance of tracking down those who enable corruption in the nation, and expressed disappointment over the recent graft cases involving the Armed Forces.
His Majesty said the government’s plans would not be implemented efficiently if corruption continued in the country.
"I am very disappointed when corruption is also happening among the Armed Forces, reaching the highest levels.
"Looks like after this, I may have to appoint a sergeant to be the Chief of the Armed Forces," His Majesty said in his Royal Address at the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament on Monday (Jan 19).
Sultan Ibrahim said the latest corruption incident involving the Armed Forces is just the tip of the iceberg.
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"I am convinced that there are many more cases out there. Whether it is the Customs Department, the Immigration Department, the police, or MPs themselves, they will be hunted.
"Corruption must be fought till the end," His Majesty said, urging every Malaysian who came across a corruption case to report it to the authorities.
"Action must be taken against bribe givers and also conspiring agents."
His Majesty also urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to carry out investigations sternly, quickly and efficiently.
"The government should also provide an experienced judge and a special lane in courts so that graft cases can be solved quickly," His Majesty added, reminding MPs and civil servants that their job involves duty to the nation and the people.
"If you abuse powers, embezzle funds, receive bribes, or conspire to protect bribe-givers, then you are a traitor to the nation."
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Recently, the Armed Forces came under the spotlight after news reports claiming that mid-ranking Royal Malaysian Air Force officers had organised "immoral parties" inside an airbase in Subang.
On Jan 8, former Army chief Jeneral Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan was remanded for seven days, while his two wives were remanded for six and three days respectively, to assist in the investigation of alleged corruption involving army procurement tenders.
On Wednesday (Jan 14), a senior Armed Forces officer was also detained by the MACC in connection with an ongoing investigation involving the military.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Friday (Jan 16) that all Armed Forces and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) procurement decisions linked to corruption were temporarily shelved pending full compliance with procurement procedures.
