KUALA LUMPUR — If Johor leaves Malaysia, the East Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah may want to follow suit, Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed warned today (Oct 18) in response to remarks by the Johor Crown Prince that the southern state has every right to secede from Malaysia if it finds a breach to terms agreed leading up to the formation to the Federation of Malaysia.

Even as he respected the royal’s personal view, Mr Nur Jazlan cautioned against letting state-based sentiment hamper 60 years of efforts uniting Malaysia, which could jeopardise the country’s harmony, reported The Sunday Star newspaper. The country’s struggle to ensure continuous unity and development should not go in vain, he added.

“We have managed to develop as a nation over the years despite our former colonisers predicting that we would fail because of our multi-ethnicity and multi-religious background,” he said.

“Living harmoniously is part of Malaysia’s pride. If such a thing happens (Johor secedes), even Sabah and Sarawak might also want to follow Johor’s footsteps,” he added.

In another report carried by the Malay news portal, Sinar Harian, Mr Nur Jazlan said that the royal’s comments were “misinterpreted and manipulated” by certain media organisations. 

He said the crown prince was talking about football and not discussing the Federal Constitution in the interview with local football portal, FourthOfficial. 

The Crown Prince of Johor, Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, created a buzz when the interview with him published on Friday carried controversial comments about Johor’s right to secession.

In the interview, Mr Ismail said that as the future Sultan of Johor, his responsibilities would always go to the state first and its people before Malaysia.

“In fact, we only joined the Federation of Malaya, upon both parties agreeing to several basic terms. And if any one of those terms are breached, we have every right to secede from this country,” said Mr Ismail, adding that the Johor royal family should not be associated with “the mess” currently affecting the country.

“You can accuse me of instigating state-based sentiments but, to me, I’m merely doing my duty to the people of Johor, and reminding them of the history and heritage behind this great land.” 

Four months ago, the Crown Prince’s younger brother, Idris Sultan Ibrahim, had also posted a warning on Instagram that the southern state may secede from Malaysia if the conditions upon which Johor had joined the Malaysian Federation are violated.

In the post, which was later deleted, Mr Idris issued a reminder that the Johor government had joined the Malay Federation in 1946 on several conditions.

Among the conditions listed were: Making Islam the religion of the state, the state’s absolute right over water and land issues, and the state royal house to have its own armed forces.

Mr Ismail has been a vocal critic of Putrajaya, particularly against Prime Minister Najib Razak and the Premier’s handling of troubled state investment firm, 1Malaysia Development Berhad.

In June, the Crown Prince was embroiled in a public spat with Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Aziz after the Minister reportedly told the Mr Ismail to stay out of politics or Putrajaya will “whack” him. AGENCIES