The incorporation of the term 'the Ruler' in the Johor state law is to underscore the check and balance mechanism in upholding the royal institution, said the Johor Council of Royal Court president Datuk Abdul Rahim Ramli.

He said the passing of the Johor Housing and Property Board Bill did not surrender absolute power to the Ruler, nor would it give way to interference in the state administration.

If other enactments that incorporated 'the Ruler' were anything to go by, the Sultan of Johor has abided by the advice of the Menteri Besar, Abdul Rahim told a news conference here on Monday.

He said was commenting on the Johor Housing and Property Board Bill which was approved by the Johor State Assembly today over the incorporation of provisions stipulating that the Sultan has to act on the advice of the menteri besar.

"That is why we are perplexed over why certain quarters question the powers of the Ruler as enshrined in the constitution. Although, he is vested with the power to make appointments, he doesn't do so right away but upon advice," he added.