Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah today repeated his warnings against the culture of corruption, saying heavy punishments should be meted out to those convicted of corrupt activities.

In his speech at the opening of the Selangor state assembly sitting today, he said there had been reports of late concerning the arrest of several high-ranking public servants by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in the state.

He said he had also received reports regarding MACC investigations into political leaders related to corruption and the abuse of power.

“I regret that there are still those who are dishonest in fulfilling their duty as civil servants and political leaders despite my many reminders against involvement in corrupt activities that could spoil the nation,” he said.

“I would like to remind everyone once again that I do not want to hear a single report on the involvement of any government official or political leader in my state in such corrupt activities.”

Sultan Sharafuddin had said earlier this month that the trials of corruption cases should be sped up.

In a Facebook post, he said courts should not entertain the postponement of cases without solid reasons, adding that the people were tired of seeing prosecutions drag on for too long.

He also called for the eradication of corruption in Selangor to ensure that it would not become a bigger problem and harm the future generations.

Speaking today, Sultan Sharafuddin said he had ordered MACC to carry out comprehensive probes to cleanse the state of corruption.

“I also hope that those who commit corrupt acts will be brought to court and, if they are convicted, that they are given heavy sentences to convey the message to the people to reject corruption,” he said.

“There is no place for corrupt people in our society, and we need to fight against graft to the end.”