JOHOR BAHRU — Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican has rubbished allegations that the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, has turned the state government into a “palace puppet,” calling the claim grossly exaggerated and unfounded.
Reezal stressed that Tunku Mahkota Ismail’s forthrightness on Johor’s development should be seen as part of his duty to the people, not as interference.
“His Royal Highness serves as a check and balance to the Johor Menteri Besar, the SUK (State Secretary) and this should not be interpreted as the Regent of Johor turning the state government into a palace puppet… that (claim) is rather exaggerated,” he said.
He added that every decree made by the Regent is both his right and responsibility in safeguarding Johoreans’ interests.
“As a member of the UMNO Supreme Council, I have never once heard it suggested that Johor UMNO is somehow a puppet controlled by the palace,” he told reporters after meeting the Barisan Nasional (BN) Kulai leadership last night.
Reezal’s remarks came in response to Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi’s shock exit from UMNO, after accusing Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi of being a “pak turut” (yes-man), thereby reducing Johor UMNO to a “tied puppet.”
He questioned Puad’s motives for dragging the Royal institution into the political fray, especially with Johor’s state election looming.
“Why involve the palace in politics at this critical time?” Reezal asked.
The Election Commission (EC) has set June 27 as nomination day and July 11 as polling day. – June 26, 2026