Tunku Ismail claims Johor royal family a victim of ‘character assassination’.
The people are free to hold discussions anywhere in New Malaysia, including to ensure that constitutional monarchs do not “self-destruct”, says veteran newsman Datuk A Kadir Jasin.
It is believed that he was responding to a statement by Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, who on Saturday (May 4) evening, alluded that there was a certain “Kadir” plotting to “finish off” the royalty.
Tunku Ismail tweeted that he knew about the meeting in Menara Ilham, which Kadir frequents to meet Council of Eminent Persons (CEP) chairman Tun Daim Zainuddin, a longtime right-hand man to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Kadir took to his Facebook page on Sunday (May 5) to question if it was wrong for the “lowly pacal” (servant) to meet to discuss matters of common concern.
“Whether at a towering loft, the kopitiam or the mamak stalls, the people are free to discuss the cost of living, the freedom and role of the media, and political developments, including in Johor.
“We spoke a lot about PH (Pakatan Harapan) Ministers, MBs (Mentris Besar) and CMs (Chief Ministers). Osman (former Johor MB) is gone and now Sahruddin is the MB of Johor. We are watching.
“If Umno and PAS were free to hold a demonstration in Kuala Lumpur purportedly to protect the Malays, Islam and the monarchy, we too are free to discuss ways and means of protecting all Malaysians and ensure that constitutional monarchs do not self-destruct,” wrote Kadir in his post.
Kadir, who is also Dr Mahathir’s media adviser, urged Malaysians to do their part to protect the Federal Constitution, adding that priority must be given to the rakyat who voted Pakatan in on the May 9 General Election last year.
Tunku Ismail had previously criticised Kadir and his presence at Menara Ilham.
In December, while making a comment on land matters involving Johor, Tunku Ismail had said: “What I find strange is that a non-minister seems to be more vocal.
“Every day, (he) sits in Menara Ilham and flatters his boss. He thinks that this country and government belong to him. You hide behind your cyber troopers and bloggers. Coward.”
Tunku Ismail’s comments on Saturday came following reports claiming that a rise of cost in the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) project was because a plot of land in Bukit Chagar was transferred to the ownership of Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.
He challenged those who allegedly wanted to “finish off” the royalty to “go all out 110%” but at the same time focus on solving the people’s problems.
“Kadir I know about the meeting in Menara Ilham. Please proceed. But like I said before. Nak finish us, must finish completely. Tk boleh half way atau 50%. Must go all out 110%. My opinion. Buat masa yang sama please selesaikan masalah Rakyat. Itupun kalau sudi. Hanya pandangan,” wrote Tunku Ismail on Twitter.
It translates to: “Kadir I know about the meeting in Menara Ilham. Please proceed. But like I said before. To finish us, must finish completely. It can’t be done half way or 50%. Must go all out 110%. My opinion. But at the same time please solve the people’s problems. That is if you’re willing to. Just my opinion.”
Tunku Ismail has claimed that the Johor royal family has been targets of character assassination over the RTS project. In a series of tweets, he claimed that many of Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s noble deeds were not brought to the attention of the public.
“How much land has the Johor Sultan given to the rakyat and the government during the past until now? Millions-worth has been given to the government.”
Tunku Ismail listed the Rumah Impian Bangsa Johor, which is an affordable housing project here, where land in Bandar Dato Onn and Mersing were donated and developed by the Sultan.
“Land for mosques and temples. People going for haj?
“Thousands were given assistance by His Majesty. Donations to hospitals.
“No news,” he said in another tweet.
Tengku Ismail then said that only the “bad news” was brought up for public knowledge.
He said there was “no news” of these deeds and added: “We are living in a world of perception. This is what you call character assassination.”
Earlier report: May 4, TMJ to ‘Kadir’: If You Want to Finish Us Off, Go ‘110 Per Cent’