DAP MP's 'TMJ, RZ' number plates poser courts state opposition's wrath

Johor opposition state assemblypersons are livid with a DAP MP for questioning in parliament if two car number plates used by the state's royalty are registered with the Road Transport Department (RTD).

Accusing Labis MP Pang Hok Liong of insulting the royalty, Johor opposition leader Hasni Mohammad attempted to raise the matter in the state assembly today by submitting an emergency motion.

Pang had questioned if the number plates “TMJ” and “RZ” were valid, and if not, are vehicles with these plates allowed to be used on the roads.

The "TMJ" number plate is used by Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim while “RZ” is used by the Johor Permaisuri Raja Zarith Sofiah.

Photo: Hasni Mohammad

Meanwhile, Hasni, in his emergency motion, questioned if it was appropriate for an MP to raise the issue and also whether parliament should permit such queries.

He also wanted to know the Johor state government's position on Pang's question.

However, Johor speaker Suhaizan Kaiat rejected the motion but requested the state executive council to respond to the matter in their winding-up speech on the sultan's address.

'How can this question be approved?'

Speaking at a press conference later, Hasni criticised the speaker's decision not to allow a debate on the issue.

"It is hard for us to accept that it is not urgent when it involves the royal institution," he added.

Hasni pointed out that there are provisions in the Johor assembly which prevented elected representatives from debating the conduct of the royalty.

"I believe the Dewan Rakyat would have similar rules. So we are asking how can this question be approved," he added.

Pang's question was listed as number 40 in the Dewan Rakyat order paper and the federal government would have to respond in a written reply. There was no debate on the matter.

According to Hasni, the number plates have been used for a long time and questioning them was tantamount to an insult.

"This question can be considered as an insult to the royal institution.

"As a Johorean, (we know) the number plates 'TMJ' and 'RZ' have been on the roads for events and programmes organised by the (state) government.

"As the Labis MP, is it inappropriate (to question this)?" he asked, in reference to Pang's parliamentary constituency being in Johor.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke, when asked about the matter at Parliament, declined to comment. - Mkini