KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim today called all those involved in corruption ‘traitors’ to the country.
He said this when delivering the Royal Address at the opening ceremony of the First Meeting of the Fifth Term of the 15th Parliament for the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara.
He reminded Members of Parliament and civil servants that the positions entrusted to them are a trust from the people and the nation.
"If you abuse your power, misappropriate public funds, accept bribes, or protect bribe-givers, you are a traitor to the country," he said sternly.
Sultan Ibrahim said that when he accepted the role as Malaysia's 17th King, he intended to hunt down those involved in corruption.
"It appears that we have succeeded," he said.
"But I am deeply disappointed to see corruption cases involving the armed forces, even at the highest levels. It seems that after this, I may need to train a sergeant to become the Armed Forces Chief."
He warned that the case could be only the tip of the iceberg.
"I am convinced that there are many more out there – whether in Customs, Immigration, the Police, and other agencies, including those present in the Dewan Rakyat today," he said.
"We will continue to pursue the corrupt until they are found. Corruption must be stopped."
Sultan Ibrahim said the people must act as the eyes and ears of the nation and report corruption.
"Not only the recipients, but also the givers and agents must be investigated, and action taken against them," he said.
"The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission must conduct investigations swiftly, firmly and thoroughly, regardless of rank or position."
He added that the government should prepare experienced judges and establish special fast-track courts so that corruption cases can be resolved quickly.
Economic growth amid global challenges
Sultan Ibrahim said that although the world is facing many challenges, Malaysia recorded positive economic growth of 4.7 per cent last year.
Unemployment and inflation rates remain low, while the hardcore poverty rate has been reduced to 0.09 per cent.
"This year marks the beginning of the 13th Malaysia Plan. I want this plan to focus on the wellbeing of the people, with priority given to education, housing, healthcare and public transport," he said.
He also congratulated Malaysia on its role as Asean Chairman in 2025 and for hosting the 47th Asean Summit.
Use Bahasa Melayu, or live elsewhere
Separately, Sultan Ibrahim said the nation's identity and future require that any new national education system must exist alongside the national system, with Bahasa Melayu remaining the main language.
"Therefore, any other system must include Bahasa Melayu and the history of Malaysia. If one does not wish to accept Bahasa Melayu, it would be better not to live in Malaysia," he said.
Strengthening democracy and upholding national unity
Sultan Ibrahim welcomed laws related to elections, democratic institutions and political financing, including limiting the prime ministership to two terms or a maximum of 10 years, as well as the introduction of a Freedom of Information Act.
He said Malaysians should return to the original intention behind the formation of Malaysia under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, which united Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak as one nation.
"We must return to the original intention of its formation – unity, mutual respect and close cooperation between the states and the Federal Government," he said.
"We must be careful not to incite tensions between regions. Differences of opinion must be resolved maturely, without hatred or suspicion.
"The rights of the states must always be respected, but the collective interests of Malaysia must always take priority."
The King also highlighted emerging threats, including digital security risks, misinformation, advanced technology and deepfakes, which facilitate fraud and undermine social stability. Serious crime, extremism and issues touching on the 3R – race, religion and royalty – must be dealt with decisively.
His Majesty called for the urgent enactment of laws relating to national security and foreign threats to preserve harmony among all races and safeguard national sovereignty.
He also reminded Honourable Members that every discussion, debate and vote in the Dewan Rakyat is not merely about party politics, but decisions that will determine the country's future.
"Therefore, carry out this duty with full integrity, wisdom and responsibility, in the interest of all the people.
"Finally, let us pray that Malaysia continues to progress, prosper, remain peaceful and harmonious, and that the people enjoy a good, happy and prosperous life."