KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has criticised the involvement of the Johor royal institution by some parties in political discourse ahead of the 16th Johor State Election, saying such actions undermine integrity in political competition.
The PKR vice-president said political rivals should rely on their own strength in electoral contests rather than involving other parties or institutions to fight their battles, local media reported.
“When we want to compete, we must do so with integrity. If you want to fight, you must go to the ground and fight, not ask others to fight for you. You must fight yourself. That is what an honest leader does. Even if you are not required to fight, then ask your president to step in and contest.
“Do not ask others to fight for you. I am very disappointed when I see that the royal institution is being used. That is not right,” Ramanan, who is Human Resources minister, said.
Ramanan, who is also Sungai Buloh Member of Parliament, made the remarks after attending the Karnival Lindung Kerjaya Madani programme at Setia Convention Hall in Johor Bahru.
His comments come amid heightened political attention following recent remarks linked to the Johor royal institution, which had urged certain parties not to attack the state government in a way that suggests administrative failure.
He also expressed disappointment over the online backlash directed at the Johor royal institution following recent political developments.
“This is very wrong. I am disappointed and deeply saddened to see the Johor Regent being attacked from all sides on social media. Why are people angry? Because this matter has nothing to do with the royal institution,” he said.
Ramanan stressed that political disputes should remain within the political arena and not involve the royal institution, adding that recent online criticism was inappropriate.
Earlier, the Johor Regent had appeared in a podcast session in Muar alongside Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, where issues including federal-state relations and revenue returns to Johor were discussed. – June 21, 2026