'I'm just reminding politicians of their responsibilities' - TMJ
Astro Awani
June 15, 2015 18:57 MYT
June 15, 2015 18:57 MYT
TUNKU ISMAIL: Apparently my gentle reminder has been met with a rather hostile response from a minister.
"To those wanting to tarnish my image and make me public enemy number one, the people are smarter than that, and they can think for themselves."
That was the response from Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim following his spat with Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz.
"I never told anybody to step down or resign, only to remind politicians of their roles and responsibilities. If you cannot deal with that, it just shows your arrogance to the people,” he said in a posting on Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page this afternoon.
He also said he is only answerable to God, the Johor Sultan and the people.
“I am not a politician…I do not do the bidding of some puppet-master who pulls the strings. Johor only has place for those who want to serve the people, not for those who want to garner votes for their own interests,” he said.
"There will come a time, when the Johorean people must decide what is best for us and our future generations. I stand for my rakyat, not to joust for power, not to topple the government, but to ensure the well-being of my people,” he said.
The Johor crown prince said, him voicing out his opinion is to remind those who have been entrusted with the responsibility to not blame the rakyat for losing trust and confidence in them, but instead think about why the rakyat's trust and confidence are lost.
“Apparently my gentle reminder has been met with a rather hostile response from a minister. If I got such a reply, then what chances does the rest of the rakyat have?” he asked.
Earlier today, it was reported that Nazri will be investigated under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code for public mischief following a statement he made towards Tunku Ismail recently.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed with Astro AWANI that several reports had been made against Nazri and that a statement would be taken from the minister soon.
"Not the Sedition Act but under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code," said Khalid via a WhatsApp message, at the same time amending a media report early today.
Last Saturday, Nazri had earned the ire of TMJ after he advised the royal to stay out of politics following his attack on Najib over the premier's no-show during the #Nothing2Hide "PM's Dialogue With NGOs" forum earlier this month.
Following his statement, several police reports were lodged against Nazri, which warranted an initial sedition probe.
On Sunday, Tunku Ismail proved that action speaks louder than words after posting a silent 'revenge' video to roar back at Nazri.