Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has made it clear he does not back any particular political party and cautioned against attempts to counsel his father, Sultan Ibrahim Ismail, to advance their personal interests.

In a Facebook posting, Tunku Ismail said he only supports true leaders who “serve the people with honour, transparency and integrity”.

“Of late, many are seen to be trying to get close and be friends with His Majesty, the sultan of Johor, which leads to all kinds of speculations and perceptions.

“Don’t forget, I am the heir to the throne of Johor, and my voice will be the last one heard after everything reaches His Majesty.

“My loyalty lies with my father, my sultan. My priority will always be the sovereignty of my state and the welfare of my people,” he said.

Stressing that blood is thicker than water, Tunku Ismail said when he counsels the sultan, it is sincere on his part as he has no personal interest.

“My love for my father, my sultan, is unshakeable and none can hope to destroy it. I am not trying to point fingers at anybody or trying to give anybody a hard time.

“I am merely reaffirming my stand behind the sultan and people of Johor. May Johor always remain Johor. Allah save the sultan,” he added.

The posting comes in the wake of Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi claiming that the sultan was counting on Umno to unite the Malays.

Zahid: Ruler banking on Umno

Yesterday, Zahid had an audience with the sultan prior to attending the Kota Tinggi Umno division annual general meeting.

During his speech at the meet, the deputy prime minister claimed that the sultan believes that only Umno can unite the Malays.

Though he said the sultan did not express this in words, Zahid told the delegates he was confident the ruler was banking on Umno to achieve this aim.

Previously, Tunku Ismail reprimanded Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi for claiming there were no problems between the sultan and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.

The crown prince said it was not proper for Mohd Puad to make the statement without knowing the real story.

“Don’t speculate if His Majesty has problems with the prime minister or otherwise, for only His Majesty and I know the full story,” he had said.