I refer to the malaysiakini report Johor sultan: Scrap the causeway .

The Johor sultan merely has a ceremonial role in our constitution. He should confine his thoughts and opinions and should not make public comments which might be misconstrued.

If he chooses to venture out of his ceremonial domain and go into the public domain then whatever statement he makes can and must be subject to public scrutiny and criticism depending on the merit and demerit of the subject matter.

He should not expect any immunity from public scrutiny. In this regard, the Johor sultan's comments to demolish the causeway was unnecessary. It was a statement made by someone who has scant knowledge of the historical and legal consequences of such an act.

Is the sultan aware that thousands of Malaysians seek employment in the 'red dot' to eke out a living and that 90 percent of them are his subjects from Johor?

Is he aware that Singapore's investment in Malaysia and in Johor constitute a substantial portion of FDI in Malaysia?

Instead of reaching out his hand to encourage foreigners to come to Malaysia, he has made disparaging comments that foreigners are 'dirty' and not welcome. What is the point in spending millions in advertising for tourists to come to Malaysia when someone like him erases all gains by making such disgusting comments.

What is most disappointing is that none of our leaders - including the PM - made any effort to correct the disparaging remarks made by the sultan.