By Ahmad Fairuz Othman

KOTA TINGGI, Malaysia - Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Ismail yesterday expressed his displeasure at an opposition political party for attempting to drag him into political issues by using his photograph at a ceramah in Batu Pahat recently.

The sultan urged the people to be wary of such actions as some parties were out to create disunity in the community.

"Lately, I find certain quarters are trying to divide the unity in the state for their personal gain.

"For example, at a function in Batu Pahat recently, someone was trying to drag me into the political arena by using my picture in their political campaign banner.

"This action is rude and insolent. It should not happen even though I know the police are investigating the matter.

"However, the people should not be influenced by people without principles and I would not want my subjects to become divided by such individuals," the sultan said during the closing of the big bike section of Kembara Mahkota Johor 2010 here yesterday.

Present were Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Ibrahim, Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, state police chief Datuk Mokhtar Shariff and Kota Tinggi district officer Ismail Karim.

Batu Pahat police chief Assistant Commissioner Ibrahim Mohd Aris said investigations were still ongoing concerning the political banners which contained pictures of the sultan.

He said a report was lodged after the banners were found in Batu Pahat and Pontian. He did not elaborate.

The motorcycle route of the Kembara Mahkota tour spanned 777km across the Pontian, Batu Pahat, Muar, Kluang, Mersing and Kota Tinggi districts.

The previous segment of this year's tour was conducted by train between Johor Baru and Gemas from June 26 to 28. The annual expedition enables the sultan to get closer to the people.

On another matter, the sultan urged elected representatives to be aware of the problems faced by the local community and wanted all parties to work hand in hand to solve them.

"The district officers are my representatives at the district level and they should monitor the problems faced by the people."