Johor bahru: The claim that the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, has turned the state government into a 'palace puppet' has been described as being extremely exaggerated and unfounded. UMNO Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the Tunku Mahkota Ismail's firmness in speaking out on Johor's development should not be misinterpreted, but rather seen as part of his responsibility to the people.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Reezal Merican emphasized that every decree made by Tunku Mahkota Ismail is both his right and responsibility as Regent, in the interests of the people of Johor. He noted that His Royal Highness serves as a check and balance to the Johor Menteri Besar and the State Secretary, and this should not be interpreted as the Regent of Johor turning the state government into a palace puppet. He further stated that the claim is rather exaggerated.

Reezal Merican, speaking as a member of the UMNO Supreme Council, stressed that he has never heard any suggestion that Johor UMNO is controlled by the palace. He made these remarks after meeting with the Barisan Nasional (BN) Kulai leadership.

Reezal Merican's comments were in response to the actions of Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi, who left the party after alleging that Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi had become a 'pak turut' (yes-man), thus making Johor UMNO a 'tied puppet'. Reezal Merican questioned Mohd Puad's motives for involving the Royal institution in the state's political landscape, as Johor is set to hold its state election.

The Election Commission has scheduled June 27 as nomination day and July 11 as polling day.