Malaysian king urges all-out fight against corruption, laments graft in military

By Anadolu staff

ISTANBUL (AA) - Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim on Monday called for an “all-out” fight against corruption and expressed “disappointment” over corruption cases involving the country’s armed forces, according to Malaysian state media.

Speaking in his royal address to Parliament, the king said any elected representative or public official involved in corruption is a “traitor” to the nation for betraying the people’s trust, Bernama news agency reported.

“I have said before that I came to Kuala Lumpur to hunt down corrupt individuals, and it seems I have now found them," he said, adding: "I am deeply disappointed that corruption cases have occurred within the Malaysian Armed Forces, extending to the highest levels. Perhaps after this, I should appoint only a sergeant as the Chief of Defence Force."

Sultan Ibrahim urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to conduct investigations swiftly, firmly and thoroughly, regardless of rank or position.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg. I am confident there are many more out there -- in the Customs Department, Immigration, the police, and so on -- as well as those present in this chamber, who will continue to be hunted down until found,” he added.

His remarks followed the arrest on Jan. 7 of a former army chief and his two wives by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission in connection with a military procurement project.

Authorities said they seized assets worth 11.4 million Malaysian ringgit ($2.8 million) during multiple raids linked to the investigation.

On Friday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim temporarily halted army and police procurement decisions linked to the ongoing corruption probe.