KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 -- The Regent of Johor (TMJ), Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, has reaffirmed his "unwavering support" for the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), asserting that the state remains fully open to military exercises essential for national sovereignty.

In a statement issued yesterday, Tunku Ismail said the Johor palace and the state government would continue to provide the necessary space and authority for the military to conduct drills aimed at enhancing operational readiness.

"Military personnel should never be subjected to unnecessary obstacles in carrying out training and operational exercises that are vital to national defence and preparedness," Tunku Ismail said.

The Johor regent also criticised unnamed individuals whom he...