Nazri faces sedition probe over remark on Johor prince

(Malay Mail Online) – Police will investigate Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz over his remark telling the Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim to stay out of Malaysian politics, the Inspector-General of Police confirmed today.

The investigation under the Sedition Act was prompted by police reports lodged against the senior Cabinet member who will be called in to give his statement soon, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar told news portal Malaysiakini.

“Yes, we will investigate it under the Sedition Act,” he was quoted as saying in the report.

Across the weekend, the minister and the member of the Johor royal house engaged in an indirect exchange via the media, after Nazri reportedly cautioned the prince not to take sides in an ongoing conflict between Malaysian political leaders.

The prince had veiled remarks over the “Nothing2Hide” dialogue that would have seen Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak come face to face with chief critic Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had it not been cancelled.

“I think he should keep out of politics, otherwise he may be subjected to the same rule. We will whack him,” Nazri was reported as saying on Saturday by Malaysiakini.

“Rulers and royal families are not above the law. If he wants to be a politician, then say so. Then we can answer back,” he added.

This prompted Tunku Ismail to respond in a silent video that appeared to be a challenge for the minister to “bring it”.

Dr Mahathir yesterday also expressed support for the prince’s right to express his own opinions on local politics, saying the Johor royal was entitled to freedom of speech.