KUALA LUMPUR – The debate over the monarchy’s role in politics has resurfaced following the Johor state election, with veteran journalist Datuk Ahiruddin Attan arguing that while the royal institution holds influence and commands respect, the final authority in determining political outcomes lies with the rakyat.
Speaking on the recent Trick Lama podcast titled ‘ Johor Post-Mortem: Declining Support or a Master Plan for Unity Government?’, Ahiruddin – also known as Rocky Bru – said there must be a distinction between constructive royal engagement and what some perceive as excessive involvement, stressing that the monarchy has historically contributed positively to public life.
Ahiruddin is the Executive Director of Big Boom Media, which publishes Scoop. Speaking on the Trick Lama podcast were fellow co-hosts Big Boom Media editor-in-chief Terence Fernandez and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Zainul Arifin Mohammed Isa.
Recalling one of his most memorable encounters involving the late Sultan of Johor, Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, Rocky said the ruler’s willingness to engage directly with ordinary Malaysians demonstrated the close relationship between the monarchy and the people.
“He went to a biker and asked this biker that he wanted to ride a bike. That moment is not an intervention, but it is when the king descends from the throne and mixes with the people,” he said.
Rocky said royal voices can also contribute positively to national discussions, citing the approach taken by the Perak ruler, Nazrin Shah, whose public speeches and actions have received broad approval.
“Raja Nazrin has done that. He has imposed his values, his principles, through his speeches and through his actions, for a long time. There has been nothing but positive reaction,” he added.
He also referred to the Selangor Sultan’s involvement in issues such as the controversy surrounding pig farming, saying such interventions should be viewed as part of the broader democratic conversation rather than as decisions that override elected institutions.
“We have a system where our executive, our politicians and our lawmakers can discuss it and say, ‘Okay, what representation should we make to the Istana?’ There’s always open communication with the Istana, and vice versa,” he explained further.
Rocky acknowledged that there could be instances where members of the royal institution are perceived to have become too involved in political matters. He said public response would ultimately act as a check against such situations.
“So, when that happens, that’s when rakyat will respond in an over manner. So, when that happens, we will know,” he said.
Addressing speculation that the Johor palace may have had a role in determining the timing of the state election, Rocky said such claims remained unproven.
He stressed that regardless of the influence or position of any institution, election results are ultimately decided by voters.
“Even if the king or the palace does that, what determines the decision of the people is, again, the other R. The fourth R.
“Rakyat determines who will represent the people,” he emphasised.
Rocky added that concerns would only emerge if the integrity of the electoral process itself was undermined.
“So, to me, I’m not that worried. Unless they add another R. The fifth R. Unless they can rig the election,” he said. – July 25, 2026