My father and I being monitored by the govt, says TMJ
Kalbana Perimbanayagam
New Straits Times9 September 2018
KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has claimed that he and his father, Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, are being monitored by the government.
Tunku Ismail, via his Facebook page on Sunday, said he was told of the development by several government officials.
The government was using an Israeli-made monitoring device, which he said was used to “spy on people and gather intel.” The device, he added, was used by the previous government before the 14th general election as part of cyber warfare.
He said he was also approached by an individual who had wanted to sell him the device.
Tunku Ismail said he was told by the government officials that the device is being used by agencies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Special Branch, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, as well as the Prime Minister’s Office.
“When it comes to national security, I think it is something we need, but these same devices should not be used by individuals for personal gain.
“I know the former government used this, but this is supposed to be Malaysia Baru – it is no place for such practices any longer,” he said.
“It is not nice when officials come to me saying that my father, the Sultan of Johor, and I are being monitored,” he said.
Tunku Ismail also claimed that cybertroopers had been planted on social media pages belonging to him and the sultan, as well as that of the Johor Darul Ta'zim football club. These cybertroopers, he said, were on standby “in case there is something that does not go down well with certain higher ups.”
He admitted that while he is vocal, he is only doing so out of concern for Johor and its people.
“I will not stand still if there are certain parties trying to take advantage of the people of Johor or break this unique unity we have.
“Let me be clear, I have nothing against the government. Johor has always had the policy of supporting the ruling government. That said, we will give our support when the right things are done. Yet we will not be silent when wrongs are being committed.
Last but not least, the only thing people want to see is the government prioritising progress, not having squabbles within the country. I pray that the government can fulfil its promises to the people. Allah Peliharakan Sultan,” he said.
This is the second such time that Tunku Ismail has claimed that the government was being monitored by the government. In May 2016, he had claimed that his phone was being tapped and that his movements were being monitored by the Special Branch.
He also claimed that Federal police had opened files on him and Sultan Ibrahim.
Johor police, meanwhile, said they have yet to receive any reports from the palace with regards to the claims.
Johor police chief, Datuk Mohd Khalil Kader Mohd, said that as of 8pm on Sunday, no reports have been made.
Meanwhile, Bukit Aman Special Branch director Datuk Abdul Hamid Bador, when contacted, said he was unaware of the claims.
He said the best person to comment would be Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun
