Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has issued a scathing statement critical of Umno in Kedah, ahead of the Johor versus Kedah Malaysia Cup finals this Saturday.
Among his targets were Kedah Menteri Besar Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, youth and sports exco Aminuddin Omar, and Kedah Umno Youth.
Tunku Ismail, who is also the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president, appeared to have been angered by rising tensions between Johor and Kedah fans, which he claimed were fanned for political gain.
"This is what happens when you have a menteri besar who is not firm and who have subordinates who do nonsensical things to create tension between the two parties for their own political gain," he said in the statement posted on the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page.
He said fans from both Kedah and Johor should not fight, as this only plays into the ploys of politicians.
Yesterday, former Kedah menteri besar and Bersatu president Mukhriz Mahathir claimed that tickets for the match had been bought out by Kedah Umno to ensure that Ahmad Bashah was not booed.
Kedah Umno Youth chief Saiful Hazizi Zainal Abidin admitted that they would be giving out tickets to the match, but denied it was only for Umno members.
"We are giving it to football fans. Football fans can be from Umno, PAS, DAP, Bersatu," Saiful Hazizi said.
Tunku Ismail said he has asked Football Malaysia LLP (FMLLP) to look into the possibility of printing extra tickets for Kedah fans who were "wronged by certain parties".
He also issued a warning to Kedah Umno Youth, although it is unclear if this is in regards to the ticketing issue.
"I would also like to advise the Umno Youth of Kedah to please watch your tongues. In football, we should only be enemies on the pitch and not off the pitch.
"Do not forget where your political party was formed, and learn to respect the (royal) institution.
"When you are a politician, your job is to serve and be a servant of the people. You shouldn’t be a politician just to satisfy your personal interests," the crown prince said.
As for Kedah youth and sports exco Aminuddin, Tunku Ismail chastised him for allegedly blackmailing FMLLP for inviting football icon and former Kedah captain Radhi Mat Din to the final's opening ceremony.
"Aminuddin stated that he will boycott the match should Radhi be invited on the basis that Radhi is a PAS member.
"I do not care if you are a member of PAS or a member of Umno, because, football or sports, in general, have nothing to do with politics.
"Radhi has every right to be there at the finals, together with Kedah fans as he has contributed tremendously for Kedah when he won the Malaysia Cup," he said.
Malaysiakini has contacted Aminuddin for a response.
The Malaysia Cup finals will be held at the Shah Alam stadium on Saturday night.- Mkini
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