SHAH ALAM, Jan 19 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has condemned corrupt office bearers as traitors to the nation, as he urges for the establishment of a special fast-track court system to promptly try corruption cases.
Delivering his royal address for the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament, the king said corruption must be fought comprehensively, with both bribe givers and receivers investigated and punished, regardless of their background.
“The government must appoint experienced judges and establish a special fast-track court (system) so that corruption cases can be resolved immediately.
“To all elected representatives and civil servants, remember that the positions you hold are a mandate given by the people and the nation.
“Those who abuse power, misappropriate public funds, accept bribes, or collude to protect corrupt individuals are traitors to the country,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat, today.
His Majesty also urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to conduct investigations swiftly, firmly, and thoroughly, regardless of rank or position.
His remarks come in the wake of the recent corruption scandal involving several high-ranking Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) officers over fund misuse and irregularities in military procurement tenders.
The MACC has seized and frozen millions of ringgit in cash, gold, luxury goods and funds from more than 80 bank accounts in two separate cases linked to alleged corruption in army procurement contracts.
Former army chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and his two wives were among those arrested so far, with MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki previously saying that investigation papers are nearly complete.
In his address, Sultan Ibrahim expressed his disappointment over corruption within the top ranks of the ATM, adding that national development plans cannot succeed if graft remains widespread.
"I have said before that I came to Kuala Lumpur to hunt down corruption, and it seems I have succeeded.
“I am disappointed that corruption cases still occur within the Armed Forces, even at the highest levels. Perhaps next I may be forced to appoint only a sergeant as the Armed Forces chief.
"This is just the tip of the iceberg. I am confident there are many more cases, whether in the Customs Department, Immigration Department, the police, and even among those in this Dewan Rakyat. They will continue to be pursued until caught,” he said.
Sultan Ibrahim added that corruption must be fought on a large scale, while urging the public to act as the eyes of the nation by reporting any corrupt activities.
“Not only should recipients be investigated, but those who give bribes and their agents must also face action.”
