Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has emphasised that in the absence of respect, one is reduced to an animal.

“We have to accept the fact we are all different, whether differences in politics, race, religion or beliefs.

“We are all different but what must remain is respect. Because without respect amongst one another, we are nothing but animals,” he said in a posting on the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page.

Tunku Ismail also reminded politicians to serve the people.

“At the end of the day, politicians have to understand that they need to serve the people and not the ideology of a political party.

“No matter what happens, don’t burden the people and that should always be their priority. Forever with you, Bangsa Johor,” he added.

On Saturday night, the crown prince landed in the spotlight with a Facebook posting cautioning the people not to be duped by a “forked tongue” individual.

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Although he did not mention names, it was obvious that his remarks were aimed at Pakatan Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

An overwhelming number of netizens, however, disagreed with his view, prompting Johor DAP chief Liew Chin Tong to state that support for the palace is not transferable to BN.

In a subsequent posting, Tunku Ismail clarified that he was not taking sides, and pointed out that he had also voiced out against caretaker prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Harapan has set its sights on capturing Johor, which is the birthplace of Umno.