PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The Johor Crown Prince has warned political leaders against giving "counsel" to the Sultan for personal interests.

Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim reminded them that he was the heir to the Johor throne and that "his voice will be the last one heard before anything else reaches his majesty".

"My loyalty lies with my father, my Sultan. My priority will always be the sovereignty of my state, and the welfare of my people.

"Do not attempt to give counsel to the Sultan for your personal interests. No matter what happens, blood will always be thicker than water.

"When I give counsel to the Sultan, it is sincere on my part, as I have no personal interest. My love for my father, my Sultan, is unshakeable and none can hope to destroy," he said on the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page on Friday.

Tunku Ismail said he was not pointing fingers nor trying to give anybody a hard time, but was reaffirming that he would always stand behind the Sultan and the people of Johor.

He made these comments after many politicians were apparently seen trying to ingratiate themselves with the Johor Sultan, which has led to much speculation.

On Friday, newly-minted Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told delegates at the Kota Tinggi Umno annual meeting that in his audience at the palace on Friday, the Sultan reminded him that Umno was born at Johor's Istana Besar.

"I know the Sultan is not a politician and he is above politics.

"Even though the Sultan didn't say it, I know he hopes that the Malays will stay united and that he is confident that only Umno can unite the Malays," said Dr Ahmad Zahid.