People first, Johor ruler warns Malay leaders plotting to disrupt govt during pandemic

The sultan of Johor today expressed regret that some political leaders are disrupting the government as they jostle for power, saying their acts are uncalled for at a time when the people are facing hardships due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Now is the time to scramble to help the people, not scramble for power and positions,” Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar said in a statement, as several opposition leaders submit statutory declarations to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong with the aim of forcing an interim government.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim and his Umno counterpart Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, alongside former leader Najib Razak, have been at the forefront of a campaign to topple Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin since last year.

Their efforts gathered momentum recently with a call by Zahid on Cabinet ministers from his party to quit the government. Both Zahid and Najib say they have mustered the support of about 15 MPs from Umno.

Sultan Ibrahim, citing a Quranic verse, reminded Muslim and Malay leaders that becoming the government is a right and trust bestowed by God.

“He gives power to whomever and He also revokes power from whomever He wills.

“Leaders must be honest and trustworthy in carrying out their responsibilities, by prioritising the people and the unity of the ummah, not through self-interest that harms the harmony of society and the political stability of the country,” he added.