PERAK ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah has told the nation’s leaders not to disappoint the people by repeating the mistakes of past leaders, especially by engaging in corruption.

He said corruption is the cancer that causes moral decline, oppression, unemployment and poverty.

“The younger generation is the victim, facing a dark future because of corrupt leaders.

“Procurement practices raised many question marks, while financial scandals have reportedly cast a dark shadow over the country’s reputation, and the shame comes with a high price to pay by citizens who have to deal with foreign counterparts,” the ruler said.

Sultan Nazrin said this in his speech during the investiture ceremony in conjunction with the Sultan of Perak’s 66th birthday celebration at Istana Iskandariah today.

Also present were Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the people yearn for fair and just governance, based on the rule of law and impartially administered through an integrous bench, dispensed by a panel of judges who are non-partisan and free of political interference.

“Leaders must be able to able to recognise the people’s desires to ensure that citizens are afforded a life that is principled and harmonious, in striving to establish a country that is orderly and prosperous.

“After 65 years of independence and 15 general elections, the citizens are demanding a fresh menu with new recipes in the political scene. They want to see integrity, trustworthiness and transparency,” he said.

Sultan Nazrin said the people are actively exposing corruption issues, more persistent in rejecting leaders perceived to be corrupt or who use their positions for self-interest, and leaders who accumulate vast wealth for their family or allow themselves to be instruments of businessmen without scruples.

He added that the public demand essential social services such as education to realise their potential, accessible health care, public transportation to ease expenditure and affordable housing programmes equipped with recreational and social facilities.

“The people want a country that is free from strife and conflict, to live harmoniously with mutual respect, always cooperative and unhindered by religious prejudice and racial distrust,” he said. – Bernama, March 4, 2023.