In a Facebook post today, he took to task those who questioned his absence at the 2017 SEA Games currently being held in Kuala Lumpur.

Tunku Ismail, better known as TMJ, highlighted his contributions to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), the Johor Sultan’s recent gift of RM4 million to FAM and his meetings with Astro to finalise the sponsorship for participating teams in the Malaysia League.

“My fellow Malays, although you may feel the need to discredit someone, there’s no need to compare me to individuals who only show up at stadiums but choose to not give a single cent to help football in this country.

“I’m not interested to pretend and show up at the stadium just to get support. I do not need support as I’m not a politician.

“Hence, before trying to discredit anyone, please think again. Do not embarrass the Malay race with your vindictive attitude.”

He said in his experience, it was “the Malay race” that “insults and questions their rulers and the royal institution every day”.

“Only when they’re stuck and desperate will the Malay politicians turn to the rulers and the royal institution.”