JOHOR Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar emphasised that his upcoming appointment as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong is not a promotion but rather, an additional responsibility that requires sacrifices of time and energy as the Head of State.
Sultan Ibrahim made it clear that his priority is to safeguard the interests of the 33 million Malaysians rather than the 222 members of Parliament (MPs), and that this will be his primary focus.
“I feel that the country today has been infected by a virus that I mentioned before in Pasir Gudang, 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,” Sultan Ibrahim said during his royal address at the investiture ceremony in conjunction with his 65th birthday at the Throne Hall of Istana Besar in Johor Bahru today (Nov 22).
Sultan Ibrahim emphasised the importance of strengthening people’s unity and coercion, urging all leaders to compromise and show mutual respect in order to improve the people’s prosperity and well-being.
His Majesty further said he will hand over the reins of the state government to Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, whom he will appoint as Regent during the former’s tenure as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as stipulated by the Johor Constitution.
Accordingly, Sultan Ibrahim said, the state government should provide guidance to Tunku Ismail as soon as he assumes the role of the 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 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,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Sultan Ibrahim 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 leave an eye and an ear in Johor to monitor what is happening here. Don’t be surprised if I suddenly appear in any district,” Sultan Ibrahim warned.
The Sultan of Johor has been elected as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a five-year term, effective Jan 31, 2024, with Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak as the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong
Sultan Ibrahim will replace Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah of Pahang who served as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Sultan Abdullah’s reign will end on Jan 30 next year. – Nov 22, 2023
Main pic credit: Facebook/Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar