SHAH ALAM - The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has shared reflections on political corruption by highlighting two widely cited quotations attributed to former United States (US) President Harry S. Truman.
He framed the remarks as a reminder of the ethical boundaries that should guide public service and governance.
The Sultan presented two quotations as a moral reflection for Malaysians, emphasising the dangers of corruption in politics and the importance of maintaining integrity in leadership and public administration.
In a post published by the Selangor Royal Office on Facebook, the Sultan said he was “struck” by the quote and felt it important to share its message with the public.
The first quote highlighted reads: “No one can get rich in politics unless he is a crook.”
A second quote added: “If the wealthiest people in a society are its politicians, that society is fundamentally corrupt.”
According to the Selangor Royal Office, Sultan Sharafuddin intended the quotations to serve as “food for thought” for Malaysians, expressing hope that the message would prompt reflection on integrity, accountability and ethical governance.
Sultan Sharafuddin has long been regarded as a strong advocate of good governance and institutional integrity, frequently using public messages to highlight ethical conduct in leadership and administration.
His latest remarks continue this recurring theme, reinforcing the principle that political office must not be used for personal enrichment, but instead serve the public interest.
The timing of the message comes amid heightened public attention on issues of corruption and governance in Malaysia, where ongoing efforts to strengthen anti-graft measures and institutional transparency remain a national priority.
While no specific cases were referenced in the post, the underlying message reflects broader concerns about maintaining ethical standards in public service.