‘I’m going to hunt all the corrupt people’

 

Royal meeting: Sultan Ibrahim speaking during an interview at His Majesty’s private residence in Johor Baru. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Saying that he is not interested in giving up five years of his life just to be a “puppet king,” Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has vowed to crack down on graft.

“I’m going to hunt all the corrupt people. I will make sure I bring results.

“People contribute hundreds of millions before elections. How do you pay them back? Giving them mega projects.

“That’s not going to be the case the moment I’m there,” His Majesty said, referring to kickbacks.

Sultan Ibrahim will assume the role of the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a five-year term starting Jan 31, 2024.

In an interview with The Straits Times/ANN, Sultan Ibrahim said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) should report directly to the King instead of the Parliament as it does now.

“If it comes to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, it means you are not under the influence of anybody from the Executive,” said His Majesty.

The agency’s crackdowns have seen controversy in recent months, amid allegations that they were politically influenced and that there was an abuse of power.

“Even PETRONAS should not be under Parliament; report directly to me,” said Sultan Ibrahim, referring to the national oil giant.

Sultan Ibrahim also suggested that judicial appointments be separated from the Executive and that they must be independent.

“We only get the list (from the Prime Minister’s Office) during the Conference of Rulers.

“Why don’t you bring the name down (to us) before you appoint? We are not a rubber stamp.”

Sultan Ibrahim said he plans to use his influence to “make things right.”

“There are 222 of you in Parliament. There are over 30 million (people) outside. I’m not with you, I’m with them.

“When I ‘hit’ in my speech, I ‘hit’. If not, the MPs behave like monkeys,” His Majesty said.

Despite his ambitious plans, the Sultan admitted that the prospect of taking up the throne had him “scared” in the beginning.

“I don’t know what I’ll be facing, the culture shock,” His Majesty said. - Star