Former Perak menteri besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin should consider apologising to the people of Johor for his tweet on the sultan’s successful bid for the 'WWW1' number-plate.

Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar told English-language daily New Straits Times yesterday that Nizar's apology via Twitter was insincere.

“If he really wants to apologise, he must seek an apology from my people first because he was disrespectful to them. He should engage his brain before he shoots off his mouth,” the sultan reportedly said.

The Johor ruler had submitted the top bid of RM520,000 to acquire the sought-after ‘WWW1' number-plate last month, breaking the record set by ‘MCA 1' that was sold for RM300,100 in 2010.

There was widespread criticism of the bid in cyberspace, with one of the strongest comments coming from Nizar.

He said the money could have been spent to help the many poor Malays in Johor and used to build 20 houses for the hardcore poor.

Following protests from Umno and Malay NGOs, Nizar said he was willing to apologise if his message had offended anyone.

He is now being investigated by the police under the Sedition Act.

‘Constitutional right’

In the same report, New Straits Times said more than 30,000 people had gathered yesterday at Istana Pasir Pelangi, Johor Bahru, to express support for the sultan and to condemn Nizar's remark.

However, Nizar told the daily that he would continue to speak against anyone, including the royal family, on issues which affect the public interest.

“If it is an issue which is totally unimaginable, like irrational spending or behaviour, I will continue to speak up... but I will do it in the most polite manner,” he was quoted as saying.

“As a Malaysian, I have every right to do so. It is something accorded in the constitution.”

Umno had accused Nizar of committing treason against the Perak sultan during the constitutional crisis in the state in 2009.