Nazri apologises, Johor ruler and crown prince forgive him

Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has forgiven Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz for linking the palace to politics.

The minister was granted an audience with the ruler at Istana Pasir Pelangi in Johor Bahru this afternoon, which lasted for almost an hour.

In a posting on the ruler's Facebook, Sultan Ibrahim was quoted as telling the Royal Press Office that “as humans, we are bound to err”.

“When we realise our mistakes, apologise swiftly. Don't let (it) divide (us). Furthermore, we are Malays who are courteous. If we make a mistake, have an audience and seek forgiveness.

“Whatever happened before, I have forgiven (Nazri) and Tunku Makhota Johor (Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim) has also forgiven him,” he said.

It was also stated that during the audience, the sultan stressed that he prioritised the well-being of the people and the state.

Sultan Ibrahim also warned certain quarters not to prolong this issue, which has been considered settled.

“What is important is that we move forward and prioritise unity. Do not attempt to destroy this unity which has been established for so long,” he said.

The Royal Press Office report stated that the sultan had in 2015 issued a stern warning to Nazri not to meddle in palace affairs or issue statements linking the palace to politics.

Meanwhile, a posting in the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page stated that Nazri had asked for the crown prince's forgiveness.

It added that the minister also sought the sultan's views and suggestions on national governance for the future.

Malaysiakini learned that Nazri is currently on a flight back to Kuala Lumpur.

In 2015, Nazri, who is known for his vitriolic salvos, became embroiled in a war of words with Tunku Ismail.

During that period, the minister said he criticised the crown prince because the latter had insinuated that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak was guilty with regard to the 1MDB scandal.

He noted how Tunku Ismail had purportedly alleged that Najib had “everything to hide” when he commented on the prime minister's absence at the “Nothing to Hide” forum.

“Those were his offensive words. If Tunku Ismail had merely said – I am very upset that PM didn’t turn up because it was an opportunity for him to speak to the rakyat – that would have been fair comment.

“But when you say that he has everything to hide... that is detrimental. It is saying that PM is guilty of all those allegations against him,” he was quoted as saying. -Mkini