HIS Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, starts his day early at Istana Negara. He’s ready for his audience from 9am sharp.
These sessions are short and effective, with his officials seated close by to dutifully take notes.
On April 1, among the early guests at the palace was Malay-sian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki.
With his honeymoon period now behind him, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong handed a jar of honey from Saudi Arabia to the graft fighter as a symbolic gesture.
“As I have previously stressed, my honeymoon is over, now go and catch the bees,” the King said during their 30-minute audience.
This was the King declaring that the war against corruption had begun. Be scared because no one will be spared.
In fact, a few weeks ago, the MACC arrested 34 Customs officers assigned to KL Inter-national Airport Cargo in connection with smuggling activities that are believed to have resulted in leakage of RM2bil of the country’s revenue over the past two years.
Most Malaysians believe that this has been happening for much longer because the culprits have been operating with impunity.
Around the same time, a senior policeman was arrested for alleged bribery, having more than RM1.2mil stashed away in several locations. The cop and a colleague are believed to have accepted bribes to protect illicit activities in Kuala Lumpur, including gambling, prostitution, and gangsterism.
Again, surely there can’t be just two policemen involved in corruption of such industrial scale, and would the MACC be able to cast its net wider to catch more big fish than small fry?
Four civil servants were also nabbed for suspected bribery of over RM5bil from a tobacco, cigarette and alcohol smuggling syndicate via the country’s gateways.
Then there are the illegal gaming operators who deprive the government of RM5bil in tax revenue every year.
The fact that these operators, both physically and online, have been able to remain undetected certainly raises many questions. That’s surely a large haul.
Credit must go to the MACC as well as the Prime Minister for the assault on corruption, but it’s the King who is tirelessly loading the armaments.
He is very well-informed, with many whistleblowers readily providing him with information, but he verifies everything because there are always elements of jealousy and rivalry in government agencies and departments.
The King, who has made the fight against corruption one of his reign’s top priorities, is exceptionally passionate about getting rid of the scourge.
Malaysians are now surely aware that Sultan Ibrahim, Malaysia’s 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, won’t be a mere ceremonial figurehead who reads out prepared texts.
He’s not afraid of voicing his views and last week, he showed what’s needed in Malaysia: true leadership.
The Johor Ruler called up fiery Umno Youth leader Dr Akmal Saleh, along with Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rauf Yusoh, and DAP deputy secretary-general Liew Chin Tong.
The King rightly ended the contentious “Allah socks” issue, which had placed the country on tenterhooks.
Basically, the controversy had to be resolved because some of our politicians were reluctant and unprepared to be assertive in their stand, and instead preferred juggling with public sentiment to avoid losing Malay support.
They failed to see the wider context of the country’s unity, stability, and harmony, with some opting to remain silent.
In the absence of leadership, the King did what was needed. He stuck his hand in even though it wasn’t his job.
It worked because the recalcitrant Dr Akmal, who was arguably unknown until this issue, said he would obey the royal decree.
He might stop talking about the “Allah socks” issue, but it remains to be seen if he curtails his provocative behaviour since he’s bought into his 15 minutes of fame. Unfortunately for Malaysia, race and religion are always wielded as political weapons.
The King’s advice was simple: Maintain religious harmony and reduce polemics, as well as preserve the sanctity of Islam.
He also cautioned political leaders from engaging in extreme rhetoric when discussing religious and racial matters.
Sultan Ibrahim was very aware that the issue couldn’t be allowed to drag on into the Hari Raya celebrations which began this week.
But the police and security forces must also investigate potential attempts to undermine the PM and his government.
The religious and political rhetoric surrounding the “Allah socks” issue and the recent bomb attacks on two KK Super Mart outlets are very disturbing.
If politicians can’t be effective leaders, then we’ll have to depend more on our Rulers.
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Wong Chun Wai
Wong Chun Wai began his career as a journalist in Penang, and has served The Star for over 35 years in various capacities and roles. He is now group editorial and corporate affairs adviser to the group, after having served as group managing director/chief executive officer. On The Beat made its debut on Feb 23 1997 and Chun Wai has penned the column weekly without a break, except for the occasional press holiday when the paper was not published. In May 2011, a compilation of selected articles of On The Beat was published as a book and launched in conjunction with his 50th birthday. Chun Wai also comments on current issues in The Star.
