NSTP/Eizairi Samsudin
KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat may consider making asset declarations mandatory for members of Parliament, in line with His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia’s call for clean, transparent and corruption-free governance.
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul said the proposal was worth considering as part of efforts to strengthen integrity and transparency in Parliament.
“Making asset declaration mandatory is a good idea. I will look into it. God willing, Parliament will look into the idea,” he told reporters when met at the opening of the 2026 Public Accounts Committee (PAC) conference here today.
His remarks follow Sultan Ibrahim’s Royal Address at the opening of the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 15th Parliament, in which the King called for good governance, integrity and stronger measures to enhance public trust.
His Majesty delivered a firm and wide-ranging decree focusing on national security, corruption and emerging threats.
On corruption, the King adopted a hard-line stance, declaring that the fight against graft must be carried out on a massive and relentless scale, including against those in positions of power, even within Parliament and the Senate.
He called for the establishment of special court tracks and the appointment of experienced judges to ensure corruption cases are tried and resolved swiftly, and urged Malaysians to act as the “eyes and ears” of the authorities by reporting corrupt practices.
His Majesty further warned that corruption within institutions, including a recent case involving senior Armed Forces officers, constituted a serious breach of trust and a threat to national security, cautioning that such cases could be only the “tip of the iceberg.”
He reiterated that no individual would be spared, regardless of rank or status, and that those who abuse power, accept bribes or misappropriate public funds would continue to be pursued and brought to justice.
On national security and public order, the King called for the urgent introduction of laws to address external threats and evolving crime trends that could undermine social stability and harmony.
He stressed the need for firm action against serious crimes, terrorism and the misuse of 3R (race, religion and royalty) issues, warning that such matters could threaten unity and national sovereignty.
His Majesty also highlighted modern and digital threats, including cybersecurity risks, information manipulation and the growing use of deepfake technology, urging authorities to strengthen capabilities beyond conventional crime-fighting methods.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has also pledged to heed the King’s directives, promising decisive action on corruption, national security and governance following the address in Parliament.
Anwar said the government would take seriously His Majesty’s calls, particularly on strengthening governance, tackling corruption and safeguarding public order.
“His Majesty’s address was clear and firm. We will implement it seriously and decisively,” he said.
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