SHAH ALAM: Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah wants those involved in corrupt practices, including politicians and civil servants, to be charged and punished severely if found guilty by the court.
In issuing a stern warning, the Selangor Ruler said corruption must be fought all the way and that the scourge had no place in society.
“Despite issuing repeated reminders, it is regrettable that there are still those who are dishonest and abuse the trust given to them.
“I am giving another reminder that I do not want to hear any more reports on the involvement of civil servants and political leaders in bribery.
“I have also directed the MACC to carry out in-depth investigations to clear Selangor of corrupt practices to indicate the people’s rejection of such acts,’’ he said in his royal address during the opening of the first session of the 14th Selangor state assembly yesterday.
Sultan Sharafuddin said Selangor would not be able to transform into a developed and prosperous state if certain political leaders and civil servants continued to fight for power and position, as well as indulge in graft.
The state Ruler described the recent media reports on the arrest of several senior civil servants by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as “disturbing”.
“I have also received reports about the MACC’s investigations into several political leaders for graft and abuse of power,” he said.
On the political situation, Sultan Sharafuddin reminded all elected representatives not to indulge in excessive politicking to seize power and forget their core responsibilities to the people.
“I cannot hide my disappointment and regret over the country’s recent political infighting, leading to uncertainty.
The rakyat in mind: Sultan Sharafuddin (centre) receiving a copy of the speech from Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari during the opening of the first session of the 14th Selangor state assembly at Dewan Negeri Selangor in Shah Alam. — Bernama
“It looks like Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat do not want to learn from the history of the fall of a nation due to power struggles that led to division in society,’’ he said, adding that due to this, the people would have to bear the brunt.
Sultan Sharafuddin said that following the Covid-19 pandemic, the people were suffering and facing a lot of hardship.
“Many people have lost their jobs and we must find ways to help them.
“So to all the Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat – help them, look for them – not just when you need their votes during the general election,’’ he said.
The state Ruler also raised his concerns over the high number of Covid-19 infections and death rate in Selangor.
He attributed this to a lack of enforcement and failure to observe the standard operating procedure issued by the Health Ministry and National Security Council.
Citing examples, Sultan Sharafuddin said that when night and Ramadan markets were allowed to operate, the people who went to these places did not heed physical distancing and wear face masks.
“Factory operators also failed to set strict SOP for their workers and this led to the third wave, causing a drastic increase in cases and deaths.
“The situation was made worse when some disregarded the travel ban during the movement control order and went back to their hometowns in other districts and states during Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
“This led to the emergence of new clusters and the spread of the disease nationwide,” he said.
Sultan Sharafuddin also expressed his disappointment that some political leaders, VIPs and celebrities misused their positions to break the rules during the MCO.
He said it was now crucial to forge ahead without repeating the mistakes of the past.
“I urge everyone to be responsible and observe the SOP to help counter the Covid-19 infections,” he said.
The state assembly continues today.