KUALA LUMPUR: Expressing disappointment over a recent corruption case involvinfg the Armed Forces, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, wants a clampdown on graft, as he believes it is “just the tip of the iceberg”.
The government’s plans, said His Majesty, could not be implemented efficiently if corruption persists in the country.
His Majesty said it is very disheartening when corruption involves even those who are in the higher echelons of the Armed Forces.
On Jan 14, another senior Armed Forces officer was detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in connection with an ongoing investigation involving the military.
Earlier, former Army chief Jen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and his two wives were remanded to assist in investigations into alleged corruption involving army procurement tenders.
“Looks like I may have to appoint a sergeant to be the Chief of the Armed Forces.
“I am convinced that there are many more cases out there.
“Whether it is the Customs Department, the Immigration Department, or the police, or among the MPs themselves, they will be hunted,” His Majesty said when delivering the Royal Address at the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament yesterday.
His Majesty, however, was pleased that efforts to fight corruption are bearing fruit.
“I have said before that I came to KL to hunt for corruptors and it looks like I have succeeded,” said His Majesty, before calling on every Malaysian to report on any corruption case they come across.
“Action must be taken against bribe givers and also conspiring agents,” said His Majesty, who urged the MACC to carry out investigations sternly, quickly and efficiently.
The government, said the King of Malaysia, must also provide experienced judges and a fast-track court system to ensure corruption cases are addressed swiftly.
His Majesty then reminded MPs and civil servants that their job involves a 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.”
The King graced the opening ceremony of the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament yesterday.
His Majesty arrived at 10am at Parliament Square and was greeted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his deputies, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
The King was given a 21-gun salute with the national anthem playing in the background.
He was also given the royal salute by the Royal Malay Regiment Central Band.
Also present were Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul and Dewan Negara President Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah.
His Majesty then inspected the guard-of-honour before returning to the royal stage to receive the royal salute for the second time, which was followed by the national anthem being played.
The current Parliament meeting concludes on March 3.
