Kind gesture: Tunku Ismail greeting a patient on a wheelchair during his visit to Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru in this file pic.
Residents believe Tunku Ismail will ring in positive changes and spur development
JOHOR BARU: Johoreans are excited to see what the future holds for the state now that Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim has been appointed the Regent of Johor.
The Johor Crown Prince, 39, took his oath during a ceremony at Istana Bukit Serene here yesterday, just three days before his father, Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, ascends the federal throne as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Wednesday.
Tunku Ismail’s appointment was met with congratulatory messages from members of the public.
Azlina Othman, 37, believes the Regent would always put the state and the people’s welfare first.
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“I feel proud about having him as the Regent of Johor, especially after hearing his thoughts and views in a recent podcast episode hosted by former politicians Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan, where he spoke candidly about his plans for the state.
“This is also not the first time Tunku Ismail has assumed such a responsibility, so I believe he is well equipped to carry out his duties,” said the private sector employee when interviewed.
Florist Jackson Chong said she hopes the new Regent would inspire positive changes to the state such as moving the state’s days of rest, currently on Friday and Saturday, back to Saturday and Sunday.
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“This change would streamline the state and federal rest days, making it more convenient for families to spend quality time together.
“We often have to forgo family vacations as my son has to attend school on Sunday. My wife and I work in the private sector so we are off on Saturday and Sunday, and that leaves us only one day – Saturday – to spend a full day together,” said the 54-year-old.
Businessman Ilamaran Ramamoorthy is confident that Tunku Ismail would have a good working relationship with Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi as both are youthful leaders.
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“With plans like the Johor-Singapore special economic zone, special financial zone in Forest City and Rapid Transit System Link lined up, I am excited to see how the two leaders will further spur the economic growth and social development in the state.
“It will be interesting and exciting to see what will come next for Johor and Malaysia as Sultan Ibrahim will be appointed our King,” added the 49-year-old.
Johor Royal Court Council president Datuk Abdul Rahim Ramli said Tunku Ismail’s appointment was made upon the advice of the Royal Council under Clause 9(1)(d) and (3) of the Johor Constitution 1895.
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“The appointment stands as long as Sultan Ibrahim takes on the responsibilities as the King.
“With this appointment, Tunku Ismail, who is also the heir to the Johor throne, will henceforth be known as His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail, the Regent of Johor,” Abdul Rahim said in a statement after the ceremony.
Also present were Johor princess Tunku Tun Aminah Sultan Ibrahim and her husband Datuk Dennis Muhammad Abdullah, princes Tunku Idris Iskandar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim and Tunku Abu Bakar Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim.
Other state dignitaries such as Onn Hafiz, state secretary Tan Sri Dr Azmi Rohani and Abdul Rahim also witnessed the oath-taking ceremony.
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Sultan Ibrahim will ascend the throne at Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur on Jan 31 as the 17th King of Malaysia and reign for five years.
Tunku Ismail had previously been appointed Regent on several occasions, the most recent being on June 16, 2022, during a period when Sultan Ibrahim took a brief respite from his royal administrative duties.
Born on June 30, 1984, in Johor Baru, he is the eldest of six children of Sultan Ibrahim and Permaisuri Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah.
He underwent military training at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun as a cadet officer from July 17, 2003 until Dec 11, 2004 and was assigned the rank of Lieutenant upon the completion of his training.
He went on to train at the 61st Cavalry Unit in Jaipur, India for two years before returning to Malaysia to join the Special Forces Course at the Iskandar Camp in Mersing.
He also received training at the Special Warfare Training Centre.
Tunku Ismail, who has a keen interest in polo and football, has been the Johor Football Association president since Feb 16, 2012.
He married Her Highness Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor on Oct 24, 2014 and they have been blessed with two sons and two daughters: Tunku Khalsom Aminah Sofiah, Tunku Iskandar Abdul Jalil Abu Bakar Ibrahim, Tunku Abu Bakar Ibrahim and Tunku Zahrah Zarith Aziyah.
