PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - The war of words between Johor's Crown Prince and Malaysia's Tourism and Culture Minister continues as the Prince reminded Datuk Seri Nazri 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 afternoon, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim said that Mr Nazri Aziz 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 people.
"When I voice out, I do it as the leader of my rakyat, on behalf of Johoreans and Malaysians.
"All I did is to remind the leaders of the country that they have a responsibility to serve the people, and for this, I am attacked," lamented Tunku Ismail on Monday.
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As the Prince of Johor, he foresees a future that every person has a right to voice their opinions, but he said that is not the case in Malaysia today.
"I am willing to be cursed for standing up for what is right, rather than be loved for defending what is wrong.
"I am not a politician. I am only answerable to Allah, my Sultan and the people of Johor. I do not do the bidding of some puppetmaster who pulls the strings," he said.
Tunku Ismail also mentioned that never told anybody to step down or resign and only reminded politicians of their roles and responsibilities.
"If you cannot deal with that, it just shows your arrogance to the people."
"Alhamdulillah, I have been blessed with a comfortable life, and I can just live my own life and be oblivious to the worries of my people, but here I am, standing firm by their side.
"So for those wanting to tarnish my image and make me public enemy No. 1, the people are smarter than that, and they can think for themselves."
He urged politicians not to use him to divert the attention from 1Malaysia Development Berhad and other national issues.
"This country needs politicians who are clean and transparent, who carry out their duties with sincerity and integrity," stressed Tunku Ismail.
On Saturday, Mr Nazri Aziz had criticised Tunku Ismail, saying that royalty should not involve themselves in politics, unless he wanted to be subjected to the same rule and be "whacked".
"But if you hold an important post - as a royal in a state - and start saying things, if we hit you back, don't get angry," he told reporters.
The minister said this in response to a post made by Tunku Ismail on June 5, criticising Prime Minister Najib 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 when turned to the camera and made a beckoning gesture with his left hand, which seemed to imply he was not afraid to face any challenge.
On Monday, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said Mr Nazri Aziz would be investigated under Section 505B of the Penal Code following his remark against Tunku Ismail, which could cause alarm to the public.
Several police reports have been lodged against Mr Nazri Aziz since he made the statement, Tan Sri Khalid said.
In response to being probed over his "challenge" against the Prince, Mr Nazri Aziz said it is the job of the police to investigate reports made by any member of the public.
"I am not above the law. We must allow for the process to go on. When there is a report by any member of the public, it is incumbent of the Inspector-General of Police to do his job," said the minister to The Star Online.
