20/01/2026

TUESDAY | JAN 20, 2026

2 King calls for corruption crackdown

o Sultan Ibrahim expresses disappointment over recent Armed Forces fiasco

cautioning against actions that could inflame regional tensions. The King added that any differences of opinion must be resolved in a mature manner and not through hatred or suspicion. While emphasising that the rights of states must always be respected, he also said the collective interest of Malaysia must take precedence. His Majesty reminded lawmakers that every debate, decision and vote in Parliament would shape the nation’s future, and must rise above narrow party politics. Sultan Ibrahim also welcomed efforts to strengthen election laws, democratic institutions and political financing, including initiatives to limit the prime minister’s tenure to two terms, or 10 years. He further called for reforms such as separating the roles of the attorney-general and the public prosecutor, and introducing a Freedom of Information Act and an ombudsman to enhance transparency and accountability in governance. ‘Youth Parliament expected to convene in June’ KUALA LUMPUR: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said the Youth Parliament is expected to be implemented this year, with its first sitting as early as June following elections to select Youth Parliament representatives, which are planned to be held in May. He said almost all preparations related to the implementation of the Youth Parliament have been completed, including the format and guidelines, with the current focus on finalising the establishment of political parties at university level. However, he said implementation is subject to the smooth functioning of the system and preparations, which are now at the final stage. “If our system is ‘alright’ this month or next month, we may see the elections taking place in May or June, and the sitting would begin after that,” he told reporters after the opening ceremony of the 15th Parliament’s Fifth Session yesterday. The opening ceremony for the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara was officiated by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim King of Malaysia. Previously, Johari said the implementation of the Youth Parliament is an important effort to expand youth participation in the country’s democratic system and to provide them with early exposure to parliamentary proceedings. He said through the Youth Parliament, which was previously managed by the Youth and Sports Ministry, young individuals would be directly exposed to the process of debate as well as the presentation of ideas and proposals in a more structured and responsible manner. The initiative is also in line with efforts to strengthen democratic culture and to produce a future generation of national leaders who are more mature and credible. – Bernama

said the country now faces modern threats to digital security, information integrity and deepfake technology, which could be exploited for fraud and undermine social stability. Sultan Ibrahim said dangers posed by serious crime and violence, as well as sensitive matters involving race, religion and royalty – known as the 3R issues – must be addressed firmly and effectively. “Therefore, laws related to national security and external threats should be enacted without delay. “Only in this way can harmony and national sovereignty be continuously preserved.” On national unity, His Majesty said Malaysia was founded through the Malaysia Agreement 1963, which brought together Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak as one nation. He urged lawmakers to return to the original intent behind the formation of Malaysia, grounded in unity, mutual respect and close cooperation between the states and the federal government, while

investigations by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission must be conducted “swiftly, firmly and thoroughly, regardless of rank or position” and called for experienced judges and special court tracks to ensure corruption cases are resolved promptly. Addressing MPs and public servants directly, the King warned: “If you abuse your power, misappropriate public funds, accept bribes or conspire to protect corrupt individuals, you are betrayers of the country.” On national education, the King said any new education system must align with the National Education Policy, reaffirming that Bahasa Melayu must remain the primary language of instruction. He added that any recognised education system must also accept the Malay language and Malaysian history. “If anyone does not accept the Malay language, it would be better for them not to live in Malaysia.” Beyond education, His Majesty

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“If this continues, I may have to appoint only a sergeant as Armed Forces chief. “I am confident there are many more out there, whether in the Customs Department, Immigration, the police and others, including those within this House, who will continue to be pursued until they are found,” His Majesty said in his Royal Address at the opening of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament. Calling for a nationwide crackdown, Sultan Ibrahim said corruption must be fought “on a large scale” and urged the public to act as “the eyes and ears of the nation” by reporting any form of graft. “Not only should recipients be investigated, but also those who offer bribes and agents who conspire must be brought to justice.” His Majesty emphasised that

PETALING JAYA: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim the King of Malaysia yesterday declared an uncompromising war on corruption, vowing to pursue those who abuse power or accept bribes, regardless of rank or position, warning that such acts amount to betrayal of the nation. The King expressed disappointment that corruption had penetrated the Armed Forces, describing recent cases as merely “the tip of the iceberg”. “I have said before that I came to Kuala Lumpur to hunt down corrupt individuals, and it appears that I have succeeded. However, I am deeply disappointed that corruption has infiltrated the Armed Forces, even at the highest levels.

Anwar lauds Ruler for addressing need to combat graft PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has lauded His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim the King of Malaysia for underscoring the urgent need to combat corruption, strengthen institutional reforms and advance education during the opening ceremony of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament yesterday.

Anwar in a statement on Facebook said the King had delivered a pointed critique of systemic corruption, calling for decisive action against a practice that threatens public welfare, national security and the integrity of governance. Sultan Ibrahim described corruption as a “betrayal of the nation”. His Majesty also highlighted the importance of reinforcing democratic institutions, implementing education reforms aligned with the National Education Policy and preserving unity among the states. “May this parliamentary session bring greater benefits to the public and the nation in terms of economic development and the progress of our beloved country, InsyaAllah, ” Anwar said. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also Rural and Regional Development minister, described the Royal Address as concise yet comprehensive, covering key issues that warrant Parliament’s attention. “Although the address was brief, its content was packed with messages that could guide MPs in the debate on the Motion of Thanks for the Royal Address scheduled to begin tomorrow.” He added that each ministry would present detailed policies and action plans for parliamentary scrutiny, including the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, which has lined up 42 transformative initiatives this year. “All the main programmes that have been set will be implemented according to the ministry’s strategic plan and will be the focus of debate in Parliament.” Home Minister Datuk Seri

Anwar alongside Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (right) and Public Works Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan at Parliament. – BERNAMAPIC Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said Sultan Ibrahim’s call for a comprehensive fight against corruption would be the ministry’s guiding principle in strengthening governance and preventing leakages and abuse of power. prosperity and social justice could only be achieved through transparent governance practices. “When the King and the prime minister deliver the same message, it becomes a powerful force in reminding all parties of the dangers of corruption, which could destroy the country.” “Under the 13MP, the ministry will further elevate the quality of affordable housing construction so that our homes are not only accessible but also of high quality. That is our aim.”

Nga also shared that the current government is the first in history to surpass the target of building and providing 500,000 affordable housing units under the 12th Malaysia Plan. In his address, Sultan Ibrahim urged that the 13MP implementation, which begins this year, be focused on the wellbeing of the public, particularly in the areas of education, housing, health and public transport. – By Harith Kamal

According to Bernama, he said His Majesty’s emphasis carried a clear message that efforts to combat corruption must be translated into firm and integrity-driven implementation to ensure corrupt practices do not continue to damage the nation. He added that the decree was also in line with the stance of the prime minister, who has emphasised that political stability, economic

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said his ministry would focus on efforts to improve the quality of affordable housing construction under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). He added that the Madani government is grateful that the housing sector was also given serious attention by the King in his address.