PAGOH: The Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar said that he would step down from the throne once he reaches a stage where he is incapable of ruling the state to the best of his abilities.
"I would then hand the reins over to my son. Once I do that, I would not interfere or criticise the new ruler.
"You have to accept the new ruler and follow his instructions," said Sultan Ibrahim in his speech at the launch of the Galeri Darurat Bukit Kepong here today.
The Sultan’s words appear to be aimed at certain retired politicians who have been criticised for interfering in matters of the current leadership, even though they are no longer in power.
Although he did not name anyone, Sultan Ibrahim was likely referring to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
In his speech, he said “this particular outsider politician” may have forgotten that his time has passed.
"In the past, he liked to teasingly say that ‘Melayu mudah lupa’ (the Malays forget easily) but now, he shows signs of his own forgetfulness.
"He used to say that the opposition is the enemy, but now, he can sit at the same table as them. He also used to say that the Western media liked to fabricate stories, but now, he cites their stories as facts.
"If he is not forgetful, then he is a bit senile due to the age factor," said Sultan Ibrahim.
He said this politician, and other leaders from outside Johor, should not say what is best for the state.
"I would like to remind politicians from outside Johor not to interfere with Johor's business, or try to cause confusion among my people, or to divide the unity of Bangsa Johor," he said.