NGOs show their support

JOHOR BARU: A large multiracial crowd came together to show their love and support for the Johor royal family in light of the ongoing spat between the Johor Crown Prince, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, and Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz.

They cheered and chanted “Daulat Tuanku”, “Hidup rakyat Johor” and “Hidup TMJ” as they gathered at the grounds of Istana Bukit Serene here at about 3.30pm yesterday.

Speaking to the media, leaders of several non-governmental organisations called for Nazri to step down.

They also demanded that Nazri apologise for making insensitive statements on the state’s royalty.

Johor Malay NGOs Council information chief Abdullah Md Yusof said Nazri had no right to speak ill of or challenge the royal family.

Abdullah said that if Nazri refused to resign, then Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak should sack him.

The Johor Baru Gurdwara president, Manjeet Singh, said the Sikh community wanted Nazri to issue an open apology to the crown prince.

“It is even stated in our Rukun Negara that we have to be loyal to the Sultans. He should be more respectful,” he said.

Malacca-Johor Diocese Catholic Lawyers Guild chairman S. Jeyakumar said the prince had all the rights to question about 1MDB.

“It is of national importance, not political,” he said.

Ang Tee Fu temple organisation member David Tam said the Johor royalty was fair and good to the people.

Kim Lee Tan, 48, who runs a gym, said he had always been a fan of the Johor royalty.

“I am here just to show my support. I feel everyone here is a hero for coming together for their ruler,” he added.

Tunku Ismail, who addressed the crowd later, assured them that he would continue to voice out for the people of Johor to ensure peace and harmony.

“Thank you for all your support. I do not want to speak much, as there are people in Putrajaya who want to whack me.

“As my father always advised me, I am a humble servant of Johor,” he told the crowd just outside the palace gates.

The crowd dispersed at about 5.30pm.