YOURSAY ‘All existing check-and-balance mechanisms are impotent.’

It's my duty to speak for Johoreans, says prince

Einstein: No matter how benevolent the royals want to be, we cannot ignore that we are a parliamentary democracy based on the Magna Carta .

Human civilisation has progressed, so let us not be fooled by the potential abuse of autocrats, be it the monarchy or the government.

Not Convinced: While I’m not a royalist, I believe now that the all-powerful Umno has become the new royalty, members of the royal families can play a role to help check it.

This is particular true when all existing check and balance mechanisms such as the opposition and media have been rendered impotent by the Umno juggernaut.

We can talk about a true constitutional monarchy and Westminster-style parliamentary democracy when we have stripped Umno of its absolute powers.

Malaysian Born: If the TMJ (Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim) continues in this manner without going over the top, maintaining moderation in the manner and form of balanced criticism, he could prove to be a very good royal.

He can be one of the truly rare ones whom we can respect for who he is - an honourable man with credibility, honesty and wisdom, rather than just for his royal lineage.

For once, we would have an unbiased force for good, able to remind politicians of their obligations when they waver and speak for best interests of the rakyat whenever and wherever there is abuse.

I await the evolution of this royal with the genuine hope and prayer that he becomes the man we need him to be.

Hermit: Your Highness, you're the rare gem gifted by the great Almighty Allah, especially in this time of great distress when leaders have lost their vision and their integrity, whilst mistrust of them blossoms by days.

Gary Nair: To show some empty vessel of what your highness is capable of, may I suggest that you talk to DAP and PKR in Johor to just concentrate on parliament seats and let’s form a royalist party and put candidates of true caliber and integrity to take on Umno-BN in all state seats in Johor.

The next thing you know, all rich states in Malaysia will be rule by the opposition. From the feedback lately, Johoreans regardless of race or religion are behind your highness.

Vent: Malaysiakini met Tunku Ismail, one of the 50 richest individuals in Malaysia, at “the swanky Thistle Hotel” in Johor Bahru. The crown prince “celebrated his 31st birthday and received a private jet as a gift from his father”, another incredibly rich man with whom he could spend “six to eight months in London enjoying their lives". I suppose staying in Johor is plain drudgery?

Tunku Ismail also declared that "If I don’t have the right to talk, then I am a puppet” and as “one of the leaders in this state, I have to speak on behalf of my people”.

I’m afraid I have to say with due respect that you cannot be a puppet because you are only a crown prince. I advise you very humbly to bide your time until you ascend the throne before you can declare yourself a "leader".

But even then, like your father, you will only be a constitutional ruler. Sadly, all our elected ‘leaders’ are liars, cheats and scumbags. The tragedy for us Malaysians is that there are no leaders of any stripe or colour anywhere.

With the Hope for Better Malaysia: TMJ, the private jet is your right. You were born that way, and you deserve it. Many Penangites support you too, TMJ. Daulat Tuanku.

SteveOh: Long live the Crown Prince of Johor. Johor is too small for you. Stand in the gap for your country and do your duty to your country. Rule wisely and justly and the people will love you.

With position, power and privilege come duty, responsibility and accountability. Then wear the mantle of royalty and enjoy the Mandate of Heaven for the people's sake.

Like Moses who forsook the pleasures of Pharoah's court and took his place among the oppressed people, take yours alongside your subjects and fellow Malaysians.

Forget the bigots and focus on those who need help. Who knows if God has not chosen you to be a power for good in the country's hour of need?

7888888: Tunku Ismail, you are fine example of the young educated Malay Muslim who can think for themselves and do not need Umno-BN to do the thinking for them.

I sincerely believe that there are many such people and perhaps they needed someone like you to inspire them.

Ipoh Pp: Thank you, your royal highness for speaking up for the rakyat in Johor. How I wish the same could be done in the other states. I’m waiting to hear from the royals in the silver state of Perak.

JooGuan: I like the fact that the prince spoke out when he saw things were wrong. But one thing that disturbs me is when he said, "I have to speak on behalf of my people on what I think is right...".

Based on the constitution, the royal's power is only confined to Islam and extreme limited executive power, no?

YM Lee: The TMJ spoke his mind. There was no tinge of pretensions. How refreshing. He must continue.

My only wish is that he be acutely mindful and keep himself away from the realm of politicking. Be guided that it is always about integrity, honour and public service.

Fair Play: Tunku Ismail has shown rare leadership quality. He has earned the respect of Johoreans because of that.

He couldn't have sent a clearer message to the powers-that-be at the federal level than this: You are there to serve the rakyat. Be humble, don't threaten others.

The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now .

These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.