No surprise if Nazri is not charged, says Johor prince

KUALA LUMPUR — Commenting yet again on the ongoing spat with a federal minister, Mr Ismail Ibrahim, Johor’s crown prince, expressed doubt that police investigations of Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Aziz would lead to charges being filed against the latter as such probes are usually mere formalities.

The outspoken member of the Johor royal family also suggested it would come as no surprise to Malaysians if Mr Nazri was indeed let off the hook for insulting royalty.

“Investigations are all formalities, I think nothing will happen,” he was quoted as saying by news portal Malaysiakini today (July 1).

“I don’t know, but I think the people know ... I think the people (can) already anticipate what is going to happen,” he reportedly replied when asked to state if he truly believed nothing would come of the investigation.

According to the news portal, when it was pointed out that some were surprised Mr Nazri was investigated for inciting public mischief under the Penal Code instead of sedition, Mr Ismail smiled and said “Malaysia Boleh”, a colloquial term that means “Malaysians can do it”.

Police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said last week that the police have completed their investigations into Mr Nazri, and that the matter now lies in the hands of the

Attorney-General’s Chambers.

“The matter has died down, please do not raise this again as it is a sensitive issue,” Mr Khalid said at a press conference.

Mr Ismail had sparked controversy early last month when he criticised Malaysian Prime Minister

Najib Razak, who had failed to show up at a civil-society event where he was scheduled to publicly discuss the failings of state investment vehicle 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), which has reportedly amassed a RM42 billion (S$15 billion) debt pile.

He said inviting someone who allegedly had “everything to hide” to such a dialogue session would obviously result in a no-show.

Mr Ismail then became involved in a public spat with Mr Nazri as the minister warned the crown prince against commenting on politics, lest he risk getting “whacked” because members of the monarchy were supposed to stay above politics.

The royal, in turn, reminded Mr Nazri that he is “a minister, not a god from the heavens who lords over everybody”.

“Do not think the people of this country exist to provide you with position and wealth; the positions exist for you to serve the people,” said Mr Ismail.

Following Mr Nazri’s warning to the prince to stay out of politics,

Mr Khalid confirmed that the federal minister would be investigated under the Penal Code pertaining to incitement of public mischief.

The spat led to more than 2,000 people rallying outside the gates of the Johor Sultan’s palace last month in a show of support for the crown prince. The supporters also submitted a memorandum of support to the palace.

Early this week, the outspoken Malay royal took to social media to comment again in an apparent reference to Mr Najib, saying that leaders must have the courage to take action when problems are identified, labelling those who are “cowardly” as the “most dangerous” of men.

The royal did not direct his remark at anyone in particular, and said he had written it only in the context of Johor so as not to “ruffle any feathers”. AGENCIES