Perlis mufti backs Johor Crown Prince

(The Star) – Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin voiced his support for the Johor Crown Prince, saying that he has the right to express his opinions.

“As someone who lives in this country, and as a son of the Sultan, nobody can deny his right to speak,” said Asri on his Facebook page DrMAZA.com.

He said that Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim is speaking up on behalf of the public.

“I just read his last statement about his criticisms, I respect his opinions.

“May he continue to fight for the public’s best interest,” said Asri on Monday.

Earlier, in a war of words, the Johor Crown Prince reminded  Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz that “he is not a God from the heavens who lord above everybody”.

In a post on the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page on Monday, Tunku Ismail said that the Tourism and Culture Minister should not think the people of this country exist to provide him with position and wealth, but the position exists for him to serve the rakyat.

Tunku Ismail also urged politicians not to use him to divert attention from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and other national issues.

“This country needs politicians who are clean and transparent, who carry out their duties with sincerity and integrity,” he said.

On Saturday, Nazri had criticised Tunku Ismail, saying that royalty should not be involved in politics.

Nazri said this in response to a post made by Tunku Ismail on June 5, criticising Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for not attending an open dialogue session organised by a non-governmental organisation.

Tunku Ismail immediately responded through a video post on Johor Southern Tigers by making a beckoning gesture with his left hand, which seemed to imply that he was not afraid to face any challenge.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said Monday that Nazri would be investigated under Section 505B of the Penal Code following his remark against Tunku Ismail, which could cause alarm to the public.