JOHOR BARU: There are many other constructive ways to resolve the rising cost of living issue than going out to the streets to protest, says Johor's Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.
The Johor Ruler said he was against the street protests proposed by a DAP leader to pressure the government to resolve the issue of the rising cost of living in the country.
"This is not a responsible way to find a solution to the problem. There are many constructive ways to resolve the matter.
"Have we not learned enough from the bloody street protests of the past? Have they forgotten the riots of 1969, also more recently, the Bersih riots? It never achieves anything, except chaos, destruction and a black mark on our nation's history!
"Protesting on the streets is not the Malaysian way. There will be no winners when this happens. There will only be losers and who knows how long it will take for the scars to heal," said Sultan Ibrahim in a statement on his official Facebook page.
His Majesty added that laws must be respected and upheld.
"Do not spew seditious statements when there are many other constructive avenues to channel your suggestions and views.
"Street demonstrations will also adversely affect the economy, scare investors from coming here and set the country further back in its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Don't go down this road. Our growth must be carefully nurtured through mature dialogue, not demonstrations that risk public safety and national security," said His Majesty.
Sultan Ibrahim was responding to a statement issued by DAP central executive committee member and vice chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, who urged the public to gather in the streets of Kuala Lumpur to express their frustration at the government over the rising cost of living.
