Embattled Culture and Tourism Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz is staying defiant against criticism levelled at him for 'whacking' the Johor crown prince, saying the prince made allegations about wrongdoings by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

"I would understand if the prince said 'I am saddened because he (Najib) was absent' (from Nothing to Hide forum). Then I can accept it. That is not meddling in politics," Nazri told Malaysiakini yesterday.