Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim today chastised critics who often took aim at the state but is now appealing for Johor monarchy's for help, such as speaking up against the country's leaders.

"Those around are always busy condemning the Johor royal family, state of Johor and also Team Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT).

"However, when plagued with national issues, you come running and kneeling before the Sultan of Johor and Crown Prince of Johor to hit back at the country's leaderships and beg us to solve these national issues.

"Turn to your own leaders to solve these problems. Clean up your own mess," he said in a statement on Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page today.

Tunku Ismail said this in his message ahead of of the Malaysia FA Cup Final between JDT and PKNS but cheekily deviated to briefly touch on politics.

He later said: "Ooops! I accidentally touched on political issue. Okay, to JDT and PKNS, good luck, all the best, and enjoy the game tonight."

Earlier, Tunku Ismail, who owns JDT, thanked the club's supporters including in East Malaysia.

"I am also thankful to supporters from Sabah and Sarawak for supporting Johor Darul Ta'zim," he said.

Tunku Ismail then took a political turn, stating: "Do not forget, without Johor, there is no Federated Malay States. And without Sabah and Sarawak there will be no money for this country".

He also congratulated both teams for making into the final with the winner set to earn a spot in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup.