COMMENT | The unwritten rule for writers when touching on royalty is to accord our royal households with decorum and respect, irrespective of whether we agree with their views or not.

The editors at Malaysiakini are also experienced and responsible souls who know where to draw the line when treating stories about royalty.

So let me tread with caution here as I refer to the recent "forked tongue" posting made by Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim on Facebook.

I think it’s unfortunate that the Tunku Mahkota Johor (TMJ) has launched a thinly-veiled attack on Dr Mahathir Mohamad and warned Johoreans not to be duped by a “forked-tongue” individual.

If TMJ could accept my honest views on his remarks, then let me say that I do understand the disillusionment and animosity that his family has towards Mahathir.

Somehow, they could not forgive the former prime minister for limiting their power during the 1988 constitutional crisis. Mahathir is still treated with disdain by some royal households, and understandably so.

So I have to conclude that TMJ’s views were personal and not so much aligned with the overall interests of the rakyat. Not this time.

TMJ was doing so well in the past when he spoke up for the people on many issues, ticking off politicians, including ministers, in the process. He is an outspoken prince and is well respected and loved, not only by Johoreans but also by Malaysians at large...