KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz refused to back down in his tiff with Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, telling the prince he should not take sides.
In his latest response to the prince's comments that he (Nazri) "is not a God," Nazri reiterated his stand that the Royalty is above politics in a constitutional monarchy.
“In the first place, no Muslim will ever claim to be God. I am a Muslim. My God is Allah.
“As the monarchs are protected by the law, it is difficult for us to retaliate without getting into trouble.
“It is alright for ordinary citizens to criticise politicians, as we can counter back.
“But the monarchs are above politics. They are protected under the law. When they criticise, it is difficult for us to react for fear of running foul of laws protecting them.
“And, as the crown prince will one day be the Sultan, it is best for him to remain above politics.
"He should not be seen as taking sides,” Nazri said.
Nazri was commenting on Tunku Ismail's latest comment posted on the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page earlier Monday, in which the prince said "Nazri should not think the people of this country exist to provide him with position and wealth, but the position exists for him to serve the people."
Nazri "is not a God from the heavens who lord above everybody," the prince added.
On the prince's criticisms of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for not attending a public dialogue to discuss current affairs, Nazri said: “Ordinary citizens can criticise but not the monarch.”
Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar had said that Nazri would be questioned over "seditious" remarks when the minister told the prince to stay out of politics, or open himself to be "whacked" by the people.
Tunku Ismail immediately responded with a video post where he made a beckoning gesture with his left hand seemingly to imply that he was not afraid to face any challenge.
Related stories:
I’m not above the law, says Nazri
Nazri 'not bothered' by prince's 'come on' video
Stay out of politics or get whacked, Nazri tells TMJ
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