On Monday, the Johor government said it would maintain its age cap for youths at 40, only to announce a day later that it would follow Putrajaya’s redefinition of the maximum age for youths at 30.

However, on Tuesday night Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali, the executive councillor in charge of youth, sports, entrepreneur development and cooperatives, said the Johor government would revert to 40 following “advice from several quarters”.

According to Malaysiakini, Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim uploaded a photograph of him with Menteri Besar Sahruddin Jamal and Sheikh Umar on Tuesday night.

“We are open to views on such matters, but don’t let it come to a point where it is seen as interfering with administrative matters,” Muhyiddin said today.

The Pagoh MP, referring to Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and Tunku Ismail, added: “I respect Tuanku and Tengku Mahkota’s views as I am no stranger in Johor. We want to ensure any decision made is accepted and there is no perception that the palace has intervened.”

Asked if there was any truth to rumours that the U-turn by the Johor government was due to instructions by Tunku Ismail, Muhyiddin said he could not confirm it.

The PPBM president said he only learnt about the matter through the media.

He said if Sheikh Umar had indeed made the decision on the age cap, he should think it through.

“But if it’s because of the palace, then it’s okay,” he said, adding that the state government needed to meet the Johor palace to discuss such matters before coming to a decision.

This is because Johor is a state under the ruling coalition which necessitates some consistency, he added.