Anwar open to discussing proposal on MACC, Petronas reporting to King

December 13, 2023

Anwar open to discussing proposal on MACC, Petronas reporting to King

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says he is open to discuss the suggestion that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and national petroleum company, Petronas, should report directly to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Anwar said such matters could be “negotiated amicably”, Utusan Malaysia reported.

“We can discuss it, as far as I’m concerned there’s no problem,” he was quoted as saying, when asked to comment on the proposal by the sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

“I do not wish to comment, but since I have been asked to comment on that statement, my response is that we can negotiate amicably.”

Anwar said having MACC and Petronas report directly to the King would not go against the Federal Constitution.

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He said it would also not affect the separation of powers between the monarch and the executive.

Anwar said the proposal was Sultan Ibrahim’s opinion which the ruler was free to make.

The prime minister emphasised that there was no cause for concern when it came to differing opinions, including that of Sultan Ibrahim’s.

On Sunday, Sultan Ibrahim suggested that the MACC and Petronas should report directly to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, adding that he would use his authority to hunt corrupt people once he ascends to the throne as the country’s 17th Yang-di Pertuan Agong next year.

Earlier today, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said there must be consensus between the rulers and Parliament before any new law or policy could be put in place.

Mahathir emphasised that Sultan Ibrahim’s statement should not be taken lightly, as it would inevitably raise questions about the role of the Malay rulers as constitutional monarchs.