Loke dodges question on ‘TMJ’ and ‘RZ’ vehicle number plates

(The Star) – Transport Minister Anthony Loke dodged a question from the media on whether the vehicles bearing number plates with the prefix “TMJ” and “RZ” are registered under his ministry.

Loke, when met by reporters at the Parliament lobby on Tuesday (July 2), refused to confirm whether the two licence plates were registered, saying that a written answer had already been distributed to the media on Monday (July 1).

“It’s okay, we have already given written answer. It’s okay.”

Pressed by reporters on whether he is trying to avoid conflict with the Johor royalty, Loke merely said, “I already answered yesterday (July 1).”

Questions were raised by Labis MP Pang Hok Liong in Parliament on Monday (July 1) regarding the legality of two vehicle number plates used by the Johor royalty: “TMJ” and “RZ”.

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.

On Monday (July 1), Johor Opposition leader Datuk Hasni Mohammad filed an emergency motion against Pang for questioning the legality of the two car plates used by the Johor royalty.

However, the emergency motion was shot down by Johor state assembly Speaker Suhaizan Kaiat, who said that there was no urgency to allow the emergency motion.

Several politicians weighed in on Pang, 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.