Johor Sultan dismayed by political power struggle amidst raging Covid-19 pandemic

PETALING JAYA: The country's heightening political tension has drawn the attention of Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, who expressed his disappointment with efforts to disturb the government and jostle for power in the midst of its efforts to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.

In conjunction with Maal Hijrah on Tuesday (Aug 10), His Majesty called upon Muslim leaders to reflect upon the lessons they were taught in Islam.

"I'm disappointed with leaders.... jostling for power at a time when the rakyat are depressed and facing numerous difficulties brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"On the occasion of the new Hijrah year 1443 today, I call upon all Muslim leaders, especially the Malay leaders in this country, to reflect upon the lessons we are taught, where the power to rule is the will of Allah SWT," the Johor Ruler said in a statement.

Sultan Ibrahim said all leaders must be honourable and trustworthy in discharging their duties, which is to prioritise the rakyat and the unity of Muslims and "not your own selfish interests to the detriment of the nation's harmony and political balance".

His Majesty added: "Now is the time for you to jostle to help the rakyat, not the time to jostle for power and influence."

Perikatan Nasional's legitimacy as a government is currently being tested after 14 Umno MPs declared that they no longer back Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as Prime Minister.

While Umno revealed it had sent letters expressing their withdrawal of support for Muhyiddin as prime minister to Istana Negara earlier this month, sources within the Opposition have also indicated that similar letters were sent to the palace by individual parties on Monday (Aug 9).

Developments at Putrajaya and Istana Negara will be closely watched on Wednesday (Aug 11) as the Prime Minister meets the King at a weekly pre-Cabinet audience.

Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan said if Muhyiddin does not enjoy the support of a simple majority of 111 MPs, then he must be honest with the King, who would then make a decision in accordance with the Federal Constitution.