A veteran newsman has called on Umno leaders, including Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, to check with the crown prince of Johor before making statements on behalf of his father, Sultan Ibrahim Ismail.
"Just to be safe and to avoid embarrassment.
"After this, (Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad) Zahid (Hamidi) or any of the Umno politicians, including Najib, may want to check with (Crown Prince) Tunku Ismail before making any statement on behalf of his father the Sultan of Johor," Ahiruddin Attan ( photo ) said in a posting on his blog Rocky Bru.
Last Friday, Zahid, after an audience with Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Ismail, told Kota Tinggi Umno delegates that the Johor ruler is counting on Umno to unite the Malays.
Though Zahid said the sultan did not express this in words, he believes this is what the ruler is thinking.
Hours later, Tunku Ismail posted on Facebook that he does not support any party, but only true leaders, who are honest, transparent and possess integrity.
He also cautioned all quarters against attempting to counsel the sultan for their personal interests.
Tunku Ismail noted that many are now attempting to get close to the sultan, and this has led to all sorts of speculation and perceptions.
Though he did not mention Zahid, observers saw the posting as countering the deputy prime minister's earlier claims.
"So, the Johor crown prince did not let Zahid get away with Friday's statement in Kota Tinggi," said Ahiruddin, a former editor of The Malay Mail .
"Well, whether you admire the Tengku Ismail for his outspokenness or you think it's unbecoming, the prince has at least been consistent with regard to politicians speaking on behalf of the Johor Istana, so far," he added.
Prior to Zahid, Tunku Ismail reprimanded Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi for claiming there are no problems between the sultan and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
He said it was inappropriate for Mohd Puad to make the statement without knowing the real story.
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