KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 — Malay groups in Johor will hold a rally today to express support for Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim in his public spat with Culture and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz.

In a Facebook post yesterday to announce the rally, Majlis Penyelaras Gabungan NGO Melayu Negeri Johor (Gabung Johor) urged residents in the state to turn up and show their support for the prince that has been critical of Putrajaya.

The rally will be held at 4pm today outside the entrance of Bukit Serene palace, the official residence of the Johor royal house, with those attending being told wear their individual organisation’s official attire.

Attendees were warned, however, against carrying banners and posters of any sort.

A text message broadcasting the event to the public is also being circulated.

Since the weekend, the minister and Johor prince has engaged in an indirect exchange via the media, after Nazri reportedly cautioned the prince not to take sides in an ongoing conflict between Malaysian political leaders.

The latest exchange between the two involved the prince telling Nazri that everyone has the right to voice their opinion although he said that this does not appear to be the case in Malaysia today as ministers here appear to think themselves “untouchable”.

Nazri replied to remind Tunku Ismail that in a constitutional monarchy like Malaysia’s, members of the royal family should not dabble in politics.

The Johor royal had on June 5 weighed in on the “Nothing To Hide” forum that was cancelled at the last minute before a face-to-face confrontation between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his harshest critic, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

In his comment then, Tunku Ismail had said that inviting someone who allegedly has “everything to hide” to such a dialogue session would obviously result in a no-show.

A small group gathers at the main door of the Serene Palace to rally in support for Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, in his public spat with Culture and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, Johor Bahru, June 16, 2015.