JOHOR BARU: The Tunku Mahkota Johor (pic) says Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar should not meddle in affairs of the state.
Dr Xavier had said the move to change Pulau Kukup’s status from that of national park to Sultanate land might affect Malaysia’s reputation internationally in preserving biodiversity.
According to Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, the matter had already been settled after the Sultan of Johor had consented for Pulau Kukup to be maintained as a national park.
"Just three to four days ago, I posted a letter from the Johor state government that was also signed by His Majesty (Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar) that stated that it (Pulau Kukup) will fall under the Sultanate Land but it remains a national park.
"Its usage and protection does not change. What is so hard to understand?
"This is Johor, where there is a Constitution that existed even before Malaysia was formed. Therefore in Johor we have our own ways," he said in a Facebook post titled "Stop politising Pulau Kukup" on Sunday (Dec 9).
Tunku Ismail added that Dr Xavier, whom he considered an outsider, should not meddle in Johor affairs.
"First of all as an outsider, you don't need to meddle on matters related to Johor.
"Secondly, no matter what statement or letter is issued, you have no jurisdiction to override the Johor state constitution," said Tunku Ismail.
He added that the only one who can change the constitution is the Ruler.
"The letter Johor has issued is clear that Pulau Kukup will remain protected as a national park," Tunku Ismail added.
Dr Xavier had said that Pulau Kukup should remain as a national park as it is the only mangrove island in Johor.
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