Chinese dilemma in Johor

Royal factor: The Sultan of Johor is riding a popularity wave and the palace seems to be taking a clear stand on Johor’s politics. Picture shows the big welcome for the Sultan of Johor when he arrived in a special limousine for the annual Chingay parade last year.

A week is a long time in politics and what a week it has been in the politics of Johor – from the Crown Prince’s controversial statement on the politics of his state to the chaotic supermarket run on Wednesday night.

The Johor palace which has been closely watching the unfolding political developments seems to have stepped up its game. And it is a game where the royals set the rules and the rest of us watch on, not quite understanding how the game is played.