KUALA LUMPUR, January 19 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today graced the opening of the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament, delivering a stern Royal Address that highlighted deep concerns over corruption, particularly within the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).
The King described recent revelations as merely “the tip of the iceberg” and pledged to continue “hunting down” corrupt individuals, warning that no one — including civil servants, enforcement agencies, or even Members of Parliament — would be spared.
Referring to recent arrests linked to military procurement scandals, Sultan Ibrahim expressed disappointment over corruption at the highest levels of the armed forces and labelled corrupt officials as traitors to the nation.
He urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to act swiftly and without fear or favour, calling for severe punishment not only for those who receive bribes but also for those who offer them and their intermediaries, while stressing the need for experienced judges and faster trials.
The King also called on the public to act as the nation’s eyes and ears in combating graft, reiterating that corruption must be fought decisively to protect Malaysia’s integrity and future. His address marked the formal opening of Parliament, with the Dewan Rakyat set to begin debates on the motion of thanks for the Royal Address starting tomorrow.
