KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 19): His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, King of Malaysia, delivered a stern address at the opening of the fifth session of the 15th Parliament on Monday, expressing deep disappointment over the country’s entrenched culture of corruption. He called on the government to appoint experienced judges and set up special court tracks to ensure corruption cases are heard and resolved quickly.

Delivering his first royal address to Parliament, Sultan Ibrahim said corruption must be fought on a massive and uncompromising scale, warning that the problem had spread across multiple institutions and levels of authority. 

He also urged the anti-graft agency, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), to conduct investigations swiftly, firmly and thoroughly, without regard for rank, position or status.

“The people must become the eyes and ears of the nation and report all forms of corrupt practices,” Sultan Ibrahim said, adding that he was deeply disappointed by corruption cases involving the Malaysian Armed Forces, including that of its high-ranking officers.

His Majesty's remarks follow ongoing investigations into alleged irregularities in military procurement tenders involving former Malaysian Army chief Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan and his two wives, as well as other high-ranking officers within the nation's armed forces. 

The Chief of Defence Forces post, the top position in the Malaysian Armed Forces, is now vacant after the intended candidate Muhammad Hafizuddeain entered early retirement on Jan 1, 2026 following investigations into him.

Describing such cases as merely “the tip of the iceberg”, Sultan Ibrahim said he was convinced that many more remained undiscovered, not only within the military but also in other enforcement and public service agencies, including Customs, Immigration, and the police, as well as among members of Parliament (MPs). 

Addressing MPs and public office holders directly, Sultan Ibrahim reminded them that their positions were a trust bestowed by the people and the nation.

“If you abuse your power, misappropriate public funds, accept bribes or conspire to protect corruption, you are traitors to the country,” he said.

Sultan Ibrahim stressed that investigations should not be limited to those who receive bribes, but must also include those who offer bribes and intermediaries involved in corrupt practices.

Earlier in his address, the King expressed gratitude that Malaysia recorded a positive economic growth of 4.7% last year — based on the Department of Statistics Malaysia’s flash estimate. He also noted the country’s low unemployment and inflation rates, as well as a poverty rate of 0.09%.

He further welcomed Malaysia’s role as Asean chair last year and the successful hosting of the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, adding that this year marks the beginning of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).

“I want this plan [13MP] to focus on the wellbeing of the people, particularly in education, housing, healthcare and public transportation,” he said. However, Sultan Ibrahim cautioned that no development plan would succeed if corruption continued to be unchecked.

“I wish to remind all that no plan can be perfect if corrupt practices remain rampant. I once said that I came to Kuala Lumpur to hunt down corruption, and it appears that I have succeeded,” the King added.

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