Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar today thanked Putrajaya for "listening to the people's voice" by withdrawing from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

"I would like to say thank you to the Malaysian government for listening to the people's voice to withdraw from the Rome Statute which was ratified in March.

"I would also like to say thank you for respecting the views of the Conference of Rulers," he said in a statement today.

Sultan Ibrahim said he will continue to defend the sovereignty of the country, as well as the harmony of its people.

"I hope the government will always prioritise the people's interest over political interest."

On Friday, Mahathir announced that Malaysia was withdrawing from the Rome Statute following objections from various quarters.

Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim is among the most vocal critics of the treaty.

Tunku Ismail claimed that the Rome Statute, which governs the International Criminal Court – that only deals with genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression – would threaten the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Malays and Islam.

Mahathir had said the move was not because the international treaty was bad, but due to the confusion created by "one particular person who wants to be free to beat up people."

"If he beats up people again, I will send the police to arrest him, I don't care who he is," he added.

Mahathir also claimed that there was an attempt to get the rulers to sign an order against him.

Yesterday, Mahathir's successor-designate Anwar Ibrahim, when asked if Mahathir could be referring to any politician, said it was a "particular personality from a royal family."

Anwar said he was certain as he had met Mahathir to discuss the matter.