KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 — Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim declared today that his loyalty lies solely with his father, the Sultan, and with leaders who serve the public with integrity, transparency and respect.

The prince, who was writing on the Facebook page of the Johor Southern Tigers, also said that he does not support or side with any political party.

“Of late, there seems to be many trying to get close to and become friends with His Majesty the Sultan of Johor, triggering all kinds of speculation and perception.

“But never forget, I am heir to the Johor throne, and mine is the final voice to reach His Majesty’s ears,” he wrote.

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“My loyalty lies with my father, my Sultan. My priority is the sovereignty and prosperity of the state of Johor and its people.

“Never once attempt to give counsel to His Majesty for personal interests. When I give counsel, it comes from an honest place because I do not have personal interests,” he added.

The prince went on to declare that his love for his father will remain unwavering.

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He added that his post was not meant to single out any specific individual or to complicate matters but was merely for him to express his loyalty to the Sultan and the Johor people.

According to Malaysiakini, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had an audience with the Johor Sultan yesterday before the Kota Tinggi Umno divisional meet.

At the meeting with Umno delegates later, Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, reportedly said that the Sultan believes that only Umno can unite the Malays, according to the news portal.