TMJ CLAIMS HIS AND FATHERʼS SOCIAL MEDIA BEING SPIED ON
Tunku Ismail claims cybertroopers have been planted on their social media pages
JOHOR Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has claimed that he and his father, Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, are being monitored by the government.
Tunku Ismail, in a post on Facebook yesterday, said he was told this by several government officials.
He said the government was using an Israeli-made monitoring device, adding that the device could be used to “spy on people and gather intel”.
The device, he said, was used by the previous government in the lead up to the 14th General Election for cyber warfare.
He said he was approached by an individual who wanted to sell him the device.
He said he was told by government officials that the device was being used by agencies such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, Special Branch, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, as well as the Prime Minister’s Office.
“When it comes to national security, I think it is something we need, but these devices should not be used by individuals for personal gain.
“I know the former government used this, but this is supposed to be Malaysia Baru. There is no place for such practices anymore.
“It is not nice when officials come to me saying that my father, the sultan of Johor, and I are being monitored.”
Tunku Ismail claimed that cybertroopers had been planted on social media pages belonging to him and the sultan, as well as that of the Johor Darul Ta’zim football club.
The cybertroopers, he said, were on standby “in case there is something that does not go down well with certain higher ups”.
He admitted that while he was vocal, he was only doing so out of concern for Johor and its people.
“I will not stand still if there are certain parties trying to take advantage of the people of Johor or break this unique unity we have.
“Let me be clear, I have nothing against the government.
“Johor has always had the policy of supporting the ruling government.
“That said, we will give our support when right things are done.
“Yet, we will not be silent when wrongs are being committed.
“Last but not least, the only thing people want to see is the government prioritising progress, not having squabbles within the country. I pray that the government can fulfil its promises to the people. Allah peliharakan sultan. (God bless the sultan).”
This was the second time Tunku Ismail claimed that he was being monitored by the government.
In May 2016, he claimed that his phone was being tapped and his movements monitored by the Special Branch.
He claimed that federal police had opened files on him and his father.
Johor police said they had yet to receive any reports from the palace regarding the claims.
Johor police chief Datuk Mohd Khalil Kader Mohd said as at 8pm yesterday, no reports had been made yet.
Bukit Aman Special Branch director Datuk Abdul Hamid Bador said he was unaware of the claims.
He said the best person to comment would be Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun.