Johor Sultan, who will be the next King, makes his priority clear
JOHOR BARU: Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has made clear that his priority as Malaysia’s next King would be to safeguard the interests of the 33 million rakyat and not just the 222 MPs.
“This will be my primary focus,” said the Johor Ruler.
“I feel that the country today has been infected by a virus that I mentioned before, which is the virus of division.
“This virus stems from political leaders who are willing to quarrel, insult, spread slander, and break the unity of the people in pursuit of power and personal interests,” said Sultan Ibrahim in his royal address at his 65th birthday celebration ceremony at Istana Besar here yesterday.
Sultan Ibrahim will be Malaysia’s 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a five-year term effective Jan 31 next year.
Yesterday, His Majesty described his imminent appointment as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong not as a promotion, but an additional responsibility that requires sacrifices of time and energy as the Head of State.
Stressing the need to strengthen unity and cohesion among the people, Sultan Ibrahim urged all leaders to show mutual respect to enhance the prosperity and wellbeing of the people.
His Majesty also announced that he would appoint Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim as Regent during his tenure as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
As stipulated by the Johor Constitution, he said he must hand over the reins of the state government to Tunku Ismail.
Sultan Ibrahim added that the state government should provide guidance to Tunku Ismail as soon as he assumes the role of Regent of Johor “just as I was guided as the Regent when my late father became the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 1984.”
“The Regent will bear the responsibility to protect the state and people of Johor, and exercise all the rights and powers of state governance, except as the head of the Islamic religion.
“Even though I will reside at Istana Negara, it does not mean I am permanently moving to Kuala Lumpur. I will always come back to Johor because this is my hometown.
“I hope the people of Johor will not forget me and pretend not to know me after this,” said His Majesty.
His Majesty also reminded government officials not to involve politics in the administration of the state government.
“Every decision made should be based on the interests of the people and the government, not driven by political interests.
“Carry out your duties and responsibilities honestly and faithfully. You all understand my way, so don’t waste time and don’t talk too much.
“I will also have an eye and an ear in Johor to monitor what is happening here. Don’t be surprised if I suddenly appear in any district,” His Majesty warned.
An investiture ceremony was held at the Throne Hall of Istana Besar yesterday.
Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto and Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi were among six people awarded titles in conjunction with the Johor Ruler’s 65th birthday.
Prabowo, an ex-general, was awarded the Darjah Mahkota Johor Yang Amat Mulia Pangkat Pertama (SPMJ) which carries the title Datuk while Onn Hafiz was awarded the Darjah Sultan Ibrahim Johor Yang Amat Disanjungi Pangkat Pertama (SMIJ) which also carries the title Datuk.
Four recipients of the Darjah Sultan Ibrahim Johor Yang Amat Disanjungi Pangkat Kedua (DMIJ), which also carries the Datuk title, are Johor police chief Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat and Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Ruzairi Abdul Rahim.
Others to be awarded the DMIJ are Johor deputy state secretary (administration) Ismail Abu and Johor’s chief Syariah Court Judge Muhammad Khaldun Mohamad Sharif.
Johor Royal Court president Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Ramli said the Indonesian minister was scheduled to be present but he did not do so at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances.
“He has personally conveyed his apologies to His Majesty,” he said when contacted.
