"Corruption Has Become A Tradition" - TMJ's Open Letter To Malaysia Goes Viral

Tunku Ismail, who has been vocal about the state of the country, highlighted the problems plaguing the nation and questioned what had happened to Malaysia

In an open letter posted to the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page on Saturday, 8 July, it was titled, 'I will always pray for your stability, Malaysia'.

"What's happening to a country I used to respect? A country that I was once proud to call my home. A country that I pray for stability. What's happening to my beloved friend, Malaysia? I hope that one day, you'll be ok again," read the post by Tunku Ismail, who is better known as TMJ for the Malay acronym of his royal title.

Tunku Ismail said that the media protects the corrupt power-hungry elites, while the poor and uneducated continue to be victimised.

"It has become a place where the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer."

He went on to say that facts are being ignored nowadays while people judge based on the outer appearance.

"Where the actors and hypocrites are hailed as heroes while the contributors and those who are dedicated to the good cause are being ignored and perceived as villains, manipulated by the pictures they see," he added.

In a paragraph of the open letter, he criticised political leaders who use Malaysia as a platform to achieve their own ambitions.

Without naming anyone, he wrote, "It (Malaysia) has become a place where politicians are wanting to be celebrities and sportsmen. Where a person who can't ride a horse or play polo can be selected to represent the country."

"Where individuals who don't even go for proper military training can become a general."

"Leaders who act with what they're wearing, but behind closed doors, forces the government to use the people's money to pay for their private jet is being respected."

"A country where my own race have forgotten our history, heritage and culture. A country that abandons our local traditions such as our traditional clothes and chooses to adopt foreign customs, wanting to be like the Arabs."

He added that titles have lost their values because people have been buying them.

Tunku Ismail also expressed his disappointment towards the state of the country where individuals are aspiring to be politicians for their own personal interests instead of "serving the people and our institution".

"Honour, loyalty and being genuine no longer exist. What's happening to you, my dear friend? But, don't you worry, as they are still a few that haven't lost hope. There are still a few that will sacrifice for our future generations. A few that will change things from within," he said.

Tunku Ismail also said that it is high time to execute the visions for Malaysia, urging the institution to stand with "friends such as Sabah, Sarawak and other places".

"Be kind to them. Respect them. Unity is the key to success. I wish you all the best and I will always pray for your stability Malaysia," he said at the end of his open letter.

The heartfelt post by TMJ has been shared over 6,000 times at the time of writing.