Next Agong's wish for control over MACC, Petronas could raise serious questions - Tun M

SHAH ALAM - The recent statement made by Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and Petronas should report to the King, should not be taken lightly, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The former prime minister said even though it was not stipulated in the Federal Constitution, if the Johor Ruler’s wish became a reality, it will raise serious questions on the role of the Malay Rulers as constitutional monarchs.

"The Federal Constitution and State Constitutions have outlined in detail the role, responsibilities and authority of Rulers of each state as well as that of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's.

"Before the powers of the Rulers and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong were detailed in the Constitution prepared for the independent Federation of Malaya, the Rulers were being easily forced by the British to surrender their states, and they became Rulers without a state.

"To avoid such pressure, the concept of constitutional monarchy was proposed and accepted," he said in his statement entitled 'Menjadi Raja' (Being a King) posted on X, today.

Dr Mahathir added that pressure must be exerted on the Parliament.

This, he said was to ensure that only when the Rulers and Parliament agreed, can any law, policy or decision be made.

He said the separation of powers between the two sides was safer than absolute power.

In an interview with Singaporean daily English-language newspaper The Straits Times, Sultan Ibrahim expressed his wish for MACC and Petronas to report directly to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, instead of the Parliament as practiced now.

His Majesty had also vowed to eradicate corruption in Malaysia and making it as one of his key priorities when he is installed as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in January.

"The main reason for the country's political instability is triggered by 'saboteurs' or certain groups who lose in the general elections. Many contributed hundreds of millions before the elections.

"How do you pay them back? By giving them mega projects? That will not happen when I become the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Who asked you (politicians) to give (political contributions)?

"From my great-grandfather, we were great hunters. I make sure when I go hunting, I bring back nice returns. But when I'm in Kuala Lumpur, 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 Straits Times quoted him as saying.