Johor DAP apologise to Sultan over insulting online post

JOHOR BARU: Johor DAP has issued an official apology to the Sultan of Johor over an online posting made by one of its members with an insulting tone towards Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim on Facebook.

State DAP secretary Tan Hong Pin said that the status posted on Jan 4 by Kamarul Ariffin Harris Fadzillah, who is also Pontian councillor, was rude and not in line with the party’s principles.

“The status posted on his private Facebook account was rude, and does not reflect a person who has respect for the royal institution.

“As a council member, he (Kamarul) should be more aware of the words he uses and his behaviour,” he said in a statement released here.

Tan who is also state Local Government, Science and Technology Committee chairman, added that any statement made by the party’s members should be expressed with the right diplomatic etiquette and voiced with integrity.

“The party stands by the principle that the constitution should be abided while also advocating for the freedom of speech.

“However, that should not be an excuse for anyone to voice out their opinions without being responsible for it,” he said, adding that the councillor has since removed the post and issued an apology on social media.

Meanwhile, Johor MCA Youth Chief Ling Tian Soon has urged the state government to take action against the councillor.

Ling who is also MCA Ayer Hitam division chief, said that he is disappointed with Kamarul’s action of purposely playing with fire with the sovereignty of the Johor royal institution with such rudeness.    

“Kamarul Ariffin’s action does not only challenge the Royal Institution, but is also seen as questioning the decision made by the state government on the status of Pulau Kukup through its state executive meeting.

“As someone who was trusted and given the mandate as a local councillor, Kamarul should have understood better his role and function,” he said.

He added that the state government has also not taken any rational action in defending the royal institution in Johor. 

“I propose the state government to be more rational and wise in choosing its staff and ensure that they have fulfilled the right criteria and are fit for the position,” he said, adding that the rush in appointing Kamarul will bring negative impacts to the state.

Ling also urges the state government to either fire or relief Kamarul from his position as a council member, as a warning to other councillors to always abide by Section 10 of the Local Government Act 1971 and Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.