Cries of "Daulat Tuanku" and "Nazri resign" rang out at a gathering of about 2,000 people outside Istana Serene in Johor Bahru today.

The gathering was called by local NGOs to show support for the Johor royalty and condemn Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Abdul Aziz, who warned the crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim not meddle in politics or risk being ‘whacked’.

Participants claimed to be representatives of NGOs such as Ikram, Perkasa and temple groups. The crowd was visibly multi-racial.

According to Sinar Harian , a spokesperson for the group said Johoreans were disappointed witth Nazri's actions.

"We want him to apologise and resign," said Abullah Md Yusof, who added that they would be filing a protest note with Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Surprise visit

However, the man of the hour was Tunku Ismail, thrilled the crowd by simply showing up and delivering a short speech.

He thanked them for backing him and vowed to do what was necessary for the people of Johor.

At one point, he even bowed to the crowd. According to the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page, which often functions as Tunku Ismail's spokesperson, the gesture symbolises that he was a "servant" of the people of Johor.

Nazri had issued the warning to the prince after the latter mocked Najib for not turning up at the 'Nothing to Hide' dialogue.

The minister, who is now the subject of a police investigation, has refused to retract his remark.