For Johoreans, rakyat's desires outweigh royal advice

VOXPOP | Johoreans have an intricate relationship with their royal family, who are pillars of society in the state.

In recent years, state ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and his son Crown Prince Tunku Ismail have often been lauded for speaking out in favour of the people.

So when Tunku Ismail weighed in on the 14th general election on Facebook late on Saturday, saying there was no need to change a ship's engine because of a problematic skipper, many felt it was a major blow to Pakatan Harapan's efforts to convince Johoreans to unseat Umno.

For Umno loyalist Abdullah Muhammad, the crown prince's comment was a decree to be followed.

"My vote would be influenced. Bangsa Johor will follow what the crown prince says, meaning if he or the sultan makes a statement, Malays must follow what they say," the 57-year-old security guard told Malaysiakini when met in Muar.

But some, such as Abdul Razak Abu Samad, 50, feel an internal conflict between their love for the royal family, and their desire for change.

"For a bright future, we follow what the sultan says, because if the sultan is not happy it will be hard for Johor.

"We are close to the Johor royalty... But now I am confused as to how to achieve change," Abdul Razak said when met in Ayer Hitam.

However, for most others Malaysiakini spoke to in Muar, their needs and desires outweighed any royal advice on the elections.

Like many around the country, office assistant Sulaiman Bustamam, 43 (photo above), is feeling the pinch from rising costs of living, and it is this factor that will weigh on his mind at the ballot box.

"You can't force people (to vote one way)... You have to think rationally, logically, what has the government done. Is there development?" Sulaiman said.

First-time voter Wan Mohd Helmi Wan Ismail wants to evaluate the contesting parties based on their manifestos.

And while those around him may influence how he votes, the love Johoreans have for the royal family will not.

"The elections are about the people," the 22-year-old student said.

Fellow student Nadirah Zainal similarly said that the crown prince would not influence her vote, which she will cast based on her evaluation of local leaders instead.

Others, such as BN supporter Fauziah Yudin, 60 (photo above), will vote simply on a desire to see a continuation of the ruling government and to ensure peace.

"I want to vote to ensure peace, I'll follow my old vote," she said.

Following a raging debate on social media, Tunku Ismail has clarified that his comments made last Saturday were only his personal opinion and that he did not side with either BN chairperson Najib Abdul Razak or Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Tunku Ismail said the people are entitled to their opinions and who they wish to support but claimed that the majority who had voiced out were outsiders. -Mkini