Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Salahuddin Ayub has reportedly received a letter from the Johor Council of the Royal Court over the state’s dress code.
According to Malaysiakini, the letter was dated June 9 and contained a copy of the state’s garment regulations.
“The council hopes that Datuk, as a Johor native, takes note of the regulations and preserves and upholds the culture of Johor,” read the letter, which was signed by council president Abdul Rahim Ramli.
The minister received the letter on June 20.
The matter first came to light on June 5 when Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim shared a picture on Instagram. It showed Salahuddin, who was wearing a baju Melayu with black pants, alongside Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim and Federal Territories Minister Khalid Samad.
Tunku Ismail also shared a picture of his father the Sultan of Johor, himself and his siblings dressed in black pants.
In the post, which was only available for 24 hours, Tunku Ismail said teluk belanga (baju melayu) paired with black pants is the traditional attire of the Johor royalty.
The prince, also known as TMJ, added this was why no one else in the Johor government dons black pants.
“Because only the royal family can wear, or is worthy to wear black pants.
“Many outsiders and certain individuals do not like or criticise the Johor royal family but want to imitate the Johor royalty style.
“Don’t forget that eagles and pipits fly at different heights,” read the post.