JOHOR SULTAN
Anti-graft agency identifies person who offered ruler RM2m bribe
RAHMAT KHAIRULRIJAL
AND MASRIWANIE MUHAMADING KUALA LUMPUR news@nst.com.my
THE individual behind the honorific title-buying attempt has been identified by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
This follows an audience by the anti-graft body’s senior officials with Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar here yesterday.
The commission said it would initiate an investigation based on information and evidence provided by Sultan Ibrahim during the hour-long closed-door meeting at a condominium here yesterday.
“Following the meeting with our chief commissioner Datuk Dzulkifli Ahmad and several senior MACC officers, Sultan Ibrahim provided us with information related to the case.
“We are appreciative of the sultan’s commitment and support in fighting corruption and abuse of power in this country, especially in Johor.
“We will ensure that a transparent investigation is conducted and action taken against the culprit,” MACC said in a statement.
MACC swung into action after the Johor ruler revealed that an individual had attempted to offer him a RM2 million bribe.
This was to propose names to the chief secretary to the government of candidates for “Tan Sri” titles, which would be bestowed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
However, both parties declined to comment when approached by reporters.
Dzulkifli, clad in a brown suit and songkok, arrived at 8.30am and left the condominium’s compound at 9.40am with his officers.
Sultan Ibrahim, who left 30 minutes later, also declined to comment.
In an exclusive interview with the Media Prima Group recently, Sultan Ibrahim said an individual had offered him RM2 million since the sultan had a quota of Tan Sri titles to give out.
“There were agents who came to see me and told me that I have Tan Sri quotas for sale, and wanted to give me RM2 million for the title.
“I told the agent, who I do not wish to name because it would be embarrassing, to get lost. I do not sell titles,” he was quoted as saying.
It was reported on Friday that Sultan Ibrahim said the awards bestowed by him were conferred based on a recipient’s merit and loyalty to the ruler and the state government.
He hoped the Johor Emblems, Titles, and Awards (Prevention of Improper Use) Enactment 2017, which was approved at the Johor Legislative Assembly recently, would be implemented immediately.