SULTAN Ibrahim Iskandar, who will be the next Yang di-Pertuan Agong, has vowed to combat corruption when he ascends the throne next year.

In an interview with Singapore’s Straits Times, the Johor ruler said he will hunt down the corrupt.

He also wants to have oversight over Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

“You know, 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 (the throne). Too bad, who asked you to give?” he said, referring to kickbacks.

“(Since the time of) my great-grandfather, (the Johor royal line has been) great hunters. I make sure when I go hunting, I bring back nice game. But when I’m in KL, it’s a concrete jungle, so what do I hunt? I’m going to hunt all the corrupt people. I make sure I bring results.

“The MACC should report directly to the Agong, instead of to parliament as it does now.”

The outspoken Malay ruler also wants judicial appointments to be separated from the executive and independent.

“Judges are appointed by the king on the advice of the prime minister after an appointments panel recommends candidates.

“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,” he said.

In October, Sultan Ibrahim reminded Johor civil servants, regardless of rank or position, to live within their means. They were also required to declare their assets every year.

The ruler said this was to ensure they were not tempted by corruption.

“At the same time, the government perhaps can review the low salaries of some civil servants as this can also be a factor in navigating the pressures of life, especially in urban areas,” the sultan had said on Facebook. – December 10, 2023.