You are a Minister, not God, says Johor prince

KUALA LUMPUR: "Do not use me to divert the attention from national issues. This country needs politicians who are clean and transparent, who carry out their duties with sincerity and integrity," said Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
In his latest posting on the Johor football team's Facebook page (pix), the crown prince said he had merely voiced his opinion and reminded people who have been entrusted with the responsibility to not blame the people for losing trust and confidence in them.
"Apparently my gentle reminder has been met with a rather hostile response from a minister. If I got such a reply, then what chance do the rest of the rakyat have.
"You are a minister, not a God from the heavens who lords above everybody. Do not think the people of this country exist to provide you with position and wealth, but the position exists for you 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," he said.
Tunku Ismail had earlier commented on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak's absence at the highly anticipated Nothing2Hide dialogue where he was expected to face off with former premier, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He had said that someone who had everything to hide would not show up.
His statement later prompted Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Abdul Aziz to hit out, telling the prince not to interfere in politics or be prepared to be "whacked".
"In the new world order, I envision a future that every person has a right to voice their opinions. However, that is not the case in Malaysia today, where ministers think they are untouchable. I am willing to be cursed for standing up for what is right, rather than be loved for defending what is wrong," said Tunku Ismail.
He said he was not a politician and only answerable to Allah, his Sultan and the people of Johor.
"I do not do the bidding of some puppet master who pulls the strings. Johor only has place for those who want to serve the people, not for those who want to garner votes for their own interests," he said.
He said there would come a time, when the Johor people must decide what is best for them and the future generations.
"Decide and unite we will, as Bangsa Johor, to forge our future. United we stand strong, divided we fall. I stand for my rakyat, not to joust for power, not to topple the government, but to ensure the wellbeing of my people," he said.
He said he never told anybody to step down or resign, only to remind 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 number one, the people are smarter than that, and they can think for themselves," he added.