I don't support anyone who is corrupt, says crown prince

Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has clarified his remarks regarding the 1992 constitutional crisis do not indicate he is siding with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

He also denied that his statements were directed at former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Responding to a question posed by a journalist on the matter, he said: "Please read carefully what I had said. The comments I made earlier was directed to the federal government."

Tunku Ismail said he made the comments to ensure and remind the federal government that this doesn't happen again regardless of who the head is.

"It wasn't directed to Mahathir or to anyone. It was directed to the system.

"I don't support anyone who is corrupted. I would also like to remind people in the media not to twist my words or take my statement out of context," he added in the Facebook posting.

Quizzed on whose side he is on with regard to the ongoing political feud between Mahathir and Najib, the prince replied: "Johor".

Yesterday, Tunku Ismail, in a Facebook post, recalled the "dark history" of 1992 and the manner in which his family members were treated.

"I remember things such as trying to disband the Johor military force, Johor exco members were told not to receive my late grandfather at the airport, how JKR (Public Works Department) was told not to fix and maintain anything at any of the Johor palaces.

"My mother was even stopped by the Malaysian customs upon entering Johor from Singapore. She was told to step out of the car because they wanted to inspect everything in the car. I still remember everything and I still remember the individuals responsible for it," he said.

The prince then went on to state that the relationship between the government and Johor royal family is good at present.

"I appreciate that. I hope it's not just because you need us now. It's good you realise we need each other.

"But I think at this time the focus should be to correct the mistakes and progress as a nation. I hope such dark history you created for your thirst of greed and power will not happen again," he added.

Following two assault incidents involving the Johor royalty, a special parliamentary session held in December 1992 saw the passing of a resolution to curb the powers of the rulers if necessary. -Mkini