Johor Opposition trying to politicise royalty car plate issue, says Labis MP

KUALA LUMPUR: After drawing flak for questioning the legality of the two vehicle number plates - “TMJ” and “RZ” - belonging to the Johor royalty, Labis MP Pang Hok Liong (pic) has claimed that Opposition leaders in the state are trying to politicise the matter.

According to Pang, the emergency motion filed by Johor Opposition leader Datuk Hasni Mohammad against him over the matter at the state assembly on Monday (July 1), was not sincere.

“It wasn’t genuine. It was for their own political narrative… as I just said in my statement, I hope the Johor royal family won’t suffer collateral damage due to the ulterior motives of Umno.

“If you read my question carefully, it’s nothing controversial.”

Pang was speaking to reporters when met at Parliament lobby Tuesday (July 2).

Pang said the question raised in Parliament on Monday by him regarding the legality of the two vehicle number plates was blown out of proportion by a certain irresponsible parties.

He also questioned why state Opposition leaders were personally attacking him.

“They try to draw a wedge against me and the Johor royalty. I think that is not correct.”

The “RZ” plate numbers are official vehicles belonging to Permaisuri Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah while the “TMJ” plate numbers belong to the Tunku Mahkota Johor.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke, in a written reply to Pang on Monday 1), merely explained the ministry’s regulations pertaining to the registration of vehicle plate numbers.

Asked if he was satisfied with Loke’s written reply, Pang said: "That is the response by the minister. I have to accept it."

Several politicians had weighed in on Pang's question, with Johor Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Youth chief Norul Haszarul Abu Samah saying that respect for the royal institution is important.

Haszarul also said that all Pakatan Harapan representatives should be reminded not to question the privileges of the royal institution.