In 2022, Johor plunged into a crisis after then-BN chief Hasni Mohammad was blocked from returning to a second term as menteri besar despite leading the coalition to a supermajority in that year's state election.
At the time, it was reported that the appointment was blocked by a "higher power", although the reasons why were never made clear.
In an interview with the Straits Times published today, Johor's Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar revealed that he had blocked Hasni (above) to reaffirm his powers as state monarch.
"They made a mistake. Hasni was made to be a poster boy, and all of them (BN assemblypersons) signed declarations supporting him.
"What, you push me to the wall? Within our (Johor) constitution, the only person who can decide on the menteri besar is the sultan.
"That's why I changed it (appointment) and shocked everybody," the monarch was quoted as saying.
Sultan Ibrahim appointed Onn Hafiz Ghazi as menteri besar instead.
The Johor ruler is due to become the next Yang di-Pertuan Agong and will be sworn in on Jan 31.
In the interview, the ruler said he had no interest in becoming a "puppet king" and would be using his influence as the next king to "make things right".
This includes keeping MPs in check, saying that he is on the side of the rakyat, and not politicians.
Relations with PM
He also said that he would be stern on his relations with the prime minister.
"When I say I don't want to see you, that's already a big question why.
"And I have my own social media team. What I tell the prime minister, I make sure it goes out - the whole country will know.
"Either he works with me closely or things will get difficult," he said.
That said, Sultan Ibrahim expressed support for Anwar, whom he said calls him "sometimes, even at midnight, asking for advice".
The ruler also said that Anwar should be given a chance to prove himself and that there are good ministers in government such as Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
"I will support the government, but if I think they are doing something improper, I will tell them," he said.
Meanwhile, Sultan Ibrahim said he has also cancelled the investiture ceremony for federal awards due to be held on Feb 1, his second day as king.
He said he wanted more time to evaluate award recipients.
"Let me see the paper three months down the road and why this person should be appointed. What's the criteria here?" he said. - Mkini
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