What did I tell you two years ago - TMJ on gov't and coronavirus

Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has made a series of social media postings, that appear to be criticising Putrajaya's handling of the new coronavirus issue in the country.

The first posting was in response to a Twitter user complaining about the prime minister's ineffectiveness, and urging Tunku Ismail to do something.

"What did I tell you all two years ago? Issues after issues. Economy, religion, racial tension, unstable and inconsistent policies, increasing cost of living, and now healthcare.

"When I spoke up previously, I was urged by the people not to interfere with government administration and politics. Now?" the regent tweeted.

He added in a second tweet that the government should listen to the people and not wait for the situation to turn critical before taking action.

It's not clear what Ismail was referring two when he meant "two years ago".

Prior to the 2018 general election, Tunku Ismail had spoken against a change in government, remarks that were perceived to be against Dr Mahathir Mohamad. 

After the elections, he tussled with Putrajaya when the administration spoke out against the Johor royalty's move to convert Pulau Kukup from a national park to sultanate land.

Tunku Ismail was also a vocal critic of plans to ratify the Rome Statute on the International Criminal Court, saying it undermined Malaysia's sovereignty.

His latest remarks come amid public criticism of the government's decision not to bar China tourists from the country amid an outbreak of novel coronavirus.

An online petition urging the government to bar China tourists has already picked up more than 300,000 supporters.

Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail had said that this was not necessary as Beijing had already enacted a lockdown on affected regions.

She also cited the World Health Organisation, which said the virus was not yet a public health emergency.

In a Facebook post, Tunku Ismail said he would do whatever he can for the people.