This article is from The Star Online (http://thestar.com.my)URL: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/10/24/nation/20061024191325&sec=nation
Tuesday October 24, 2006
Johor Sultan: Support Pak Lah
By NELSON BENJAMIN and MEERA VIJAYAN
JOHOR BARU: Johor Sultan Iskandar Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail has called on Johoreans to continue supporting the present Government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
In an impromptu speech in front of about 300 people including VIPs after performing prayers at the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque at 9am, the Sultan said that both Abdullah and his predecessor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad were his friends.
However, he said that Dr Mahathir had already retired and should not interfere with the Government.
The speech, which lasted for about five minutes, is the first time a state ruler has come out in public to defend the present administration.
Those present at the prayers included Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, exco members, politicians and senior government officials.
Abdullah and Dr Mahathir were among the recipients of Johor's highest state award - the Darjah Kerabat Johor Yang Amat Dihormati Pangkat Pertama (DK I).
Sources said that the Sultan had been keenly monitoring the developments between the two leaders.
Later, the Sultan hosted a Hari Raya open house at the Istana Besar grounds.
Thousands enjoyed a buffet spread while children joyfully received duit raya and goodie boxes.
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