In an unprecedented move, the incoming Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Johor Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar - who will be ascending to the throne on 31 January 2024 - has issued a stern warning to all leaders and politicians in the country to buck up; apparently, this is regardless of whether they represent the federal administration or the state governments - including the opposition-held states!
His Majesty who is known to be a people-oriented and hands-on monarch appears ready to usher in an exciting, new era for the country presumably to replicate the success of his wealthy state Johor Darul Takzim; and ostensibly also to create a more united, harmonious and progressive society regardless of ethnicity or religious background, similar to his cherished ‘Bangsa Johor’ model.
In fact, in a recently published no-holds-barred interview with Singapore’s Straits Times, he made his intentions and plans crystal clear to everyone, sending shockwaves down a country which has become divided along racial and religious lines and suffering from a stagnant economy; plus of course still somewhat haunted by the ghosts of the corruption-riddled 1MDB scandal.
Not surprisingly, during the interview, he had openly expressed his wish for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to report directly to him; this is because, according to him, as the Agong (King), he will not be under the influence of anybody from the executive. (Read here)
Currently, of course, the MACC reports to the Parliament but as the nation's new King he has vowed to come down hard on corruption and has even claimed that he has a solution for it; in fact, he had also boldly expressed his desire for the national oil company Petronas to report directly to him.
Additionally, Sultan Ibrahim had suggested that judicial appointments must be separated from the executive, so that they are truly independent; he added that currently judges are appointed by the King, on the advice of the prime minister, after an appointment panel recommends candidates. But clearly not pleased with the protocol, he asked: “Why don’t you bring the name down (to us) ‘before you appoint’? We are not a rubber stamp?”
Sultan Ibrahim also touched on reviving the High-Speed Rail (HSR) project; further emphasizing that the HSR between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore should also be aligned in such a way that the border crossing is through Forest City, an ambitious, modern mega project - which he is known to be quite passionate about - located overlooking the island state.
Meanwhile, according to another news website, senior lawyer Datuk Seri Dr Jahaberdeen, when commenting on the Ruler’s statement, said that Sultan Ibrahim had raised some good points, especially about joining the fight against corruption; however, he added that the current constitutional framework does not allow the Agong to get involved beyond appointments and giving advice, though it is obvious that he has the nation’s interests at heart.
As regards Petronas, Jahaberdeen said it may not be possible for the national oil company to report directly to the King, as it is a government-linked company, and not a government agency; he pointed out Section 3(2) of the Petroleum Development Act 1974 which states: “The Corporation (Petronas) shall be subject to the control and direction of the Prime Minister who may, from time to time, issue such direction as he may deem fit”. Thus clearly the power lies in the hands of the prime minister.
The senior lawyer then went on to point out that presently the Attorney-General’s Chambers, MACC, and Petronas, do not report to Parliament; as such, it is something that requires further debate and discussion in Parliament, followed by amendments to the Federal Constitution - if that is what the people want!
Meanwhile, PM Anwar, when responding to the Ruler’s proposals said he is open to discuss the suggestion that the MACC and Petronas should report directly to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong; adding that such matters could be “negotiated amicably”.
Interestingly, the prime minister also said that having MACC and Petronas report directly to the King would not go against the Federal Constitution; he added that it would not affect the separation of powers between the monarch and the executive.
On the other hand, PM Anwar’s nemesis and two-time prime minister Dr Mahathir stressed that Sultan Ibrahim’s statement should not be taken lightly, as it would inevitably raise questions about the role of the Malay rulers as constitutional monarchs; he further cautioned that there must be consensus between the rulers and Parliament before any new law or policy could be implemented.
Whatever it is, the indications are that it's going to be a ‘memorable’ era for the nation under the watch of a King who is known to speak his mind freely for the good of his subjects and one who would brook no nonsense from anyone; furthermore with the political landscape in the country remaining volatile, perhaps it needs a good “shake-up” after all - plus some fresh, bold ideas to foster nation building.
Incidentally, Sultan Ibrahim is believed to be one who is well-versed with the Constitution; moreover he is also a visionary monarch, as evidenced by how he has overseen the rapid development of his own state Johor; perhaps, that could turn out to be a good omen for the country too.
Finally, it will be very interesting indeed to hear what ‘strong words’ he has in store for the MPs in the Malaysian Parliament - which has been reverberating with toxic racial and religious exchanges - when it's his turn to open the session in 2024; in fact, two years ago he had warned his Johor state assemblymen not to mar the sittings with bad behaviour, reminding them that it was an august house not a monkey cage! This time, having been forewarned, will MPs dare create any ruckus in the Dewan Rakyat? With the country at a crossroads, maybe, Sultan Ibrahim's ascension to the throne is timely, after all.
Main Information Source: Focus Malaysia, TwentyTwo13 and FMT
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