The Johor sultan has the power to pardon the teenager who was sentenced to jail for making rude remarks about Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, according to lawyers.

The power to pardon is provided under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution, which states that the ruler of a state "has power to grant pardons, reprieves and respites in respect of all other offences committed in his state", they said.

"In light of Tunku Ismail's previous statement, it is apt that this case be considered for pardon," lawyer Eric Paulsen told Malaysiakini today.