Constitutional law expert Abdul Aziz Bari has heaped praise on Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim who had asked police not to arrest those who criticise him.

He said the prince’s call to the police was not a sign of weakness.

“Indeed, it is a signal of strength and willingness to be open and transparent. Above all, it is democratic,” Abdul Aziz told Malaysiakini.

Admitting that this does not carry anything in law as the power rests with the police and the attorney-general, the crown prince, however, had pioneered a good move and Abdul Aziz is of the opinion that it is something that should be emulated by other royals.

“This includes the Conference of Rulers – essentially the one authority that represents the rulers. The conference may take the cue from what has been done by the crown prince and authorise the Keeper of Rulers’ Seal to issue statements from time to time,” said Abdul Aziz.

He added that the institution of monarchy has been silent on many issues even in areas where rulers have clear authority such as religion and citizenship, which had allowed extremists and right-wing elements in the society to lead the way.

“Like the crown prince, the rulers must assume leadership, especially at a time when the national leadership has lost the moral compass.”

The police, therefore, should take note and should immediately follow up with action.

“Just like when they leap into action when criticisms were levelled against the federal government and monarchy itself,” added Abdul Aziz.

In an interview posted on the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page last night, Tunku Ismail said that he preferred that authorities arrange face-to-face meetings with his critics instead.

The Johor crown prince was responding to news that two men have been detained for their social media postings that allegedly insulted the crown prince.

The first to be arrested was Pahang football fan Masyhur Abdullah, 29, who allegedly uploaded a degrading message using the Twitter handle @thekeluangman.

An assistant chef was the next one to be arrested over a Facebook post about the crown prince.

Both men are being investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a maximum fine of up to RM50,000 or a year's jail maximum, or both.