The release of Sultan of Johor’s book ‘Johor Throne – HM Sultan Ibrahim’s First Decade of Rule’ is most timely. — Others
HE calls a spade a spade. When the Sultan of Johor grants an interview, it’s likely to make front-page news because he doesn’t mince his words.
Although he is the Ruler of Johor, His Majesty is a national figure, and while his views are mainly confined to state issues, they always have a national impact.
He is outspoken and assertive, so most Malaysians rally behind him for daring to tackle subjects which reflect their sentiments but are avoided by others who want to be politically safe.
Whether it’s about corruption, poor maintenance, excessive religious rules or royal titles, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar gives his views unflinchingly.
His Majesty will be in the news in the coming months because he is next in line to be the King.
The present Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, will complete his five-year term at the end of January 2024.
Malaysia has a unique system where the nine Rulers pick their choice of King for a five-year reign.
While there’s an election by secret vote, respect is also accorded to the rotational system of which state is in line, where the selection follows an order based on the seniority of each Ruler.
The most important criterion is that a Ruler may only be elected if he consents to it, as clearly inscribed in the Constitution as well as the Regulations of the Conference of Rulers.
To most Malaysians, including Johoreans, Tuanku is regarded as a stern disciplinarian.
That’s understandable given his army training background, but many stories about His Majesty are exaggerated, and by people who don’t even know him.
The release of his book, Johor Throne – HM Sultan Ibrahim’s First Decade of Rule, is most timely.
The Royal Press Office, headed by veteran journalist Ravi Nambiar, has done a tremendous job in conceptualising, designing, writing and publishing this 356-page book.
The team laboriously pored over 50,000 pictures accumulated over six years, before short-listing 15,000 photographs, and finally, 320 made the grade.
The process took over eight months with 11 chapters determined to reflect the various facets of Tuanku’s reign of more than 10 years.
It begins with his momentous days, from the time His Majesty ascended the throne as the 25th Sultan of Johor on Jan 23, 2010.
But this book, available in Bahasa Malaysia and English, has provided a deeper insight to the man who has reached a milestone of ruling Johor for 10 years and is poised for the national stage.
Readers of this book will get a deeper and better understanding of this extraordinary figure.
He attended the American Special Forces Green Beret and Pathfinder course, where he completed 19 parachute jumps, eight of which were executed at night, earning him the prestigious Green Beret and Wings.
Tuanku has also made several successful parachute jumps in Bandung, Indonesia, which has made him an honorary member of the Indonesian red beret, Kopassus (Komando Pasukan Khusus).
He can fly a helicopter, training for which came from the Royal Malaysian Air Force, and he received his wings from his father, Sultan Iskandar, in 1982. And as we’ve seen, he can drive a train, too.
Basically, he is a fully-trained army, navy and air force officer – the only Ruler with that distinction.
Indeed, there’s an entire chapter of photographs of his army tenure, entitled “Disciplined’’, where he shares his perseverance and discipline.
Not many people outside Johor are aware he is the commandant of the Johor Military Force (JMF), the only state in Malaysia with its own army.
But my favourite chapter features his role as the “Head of Religion” where he has not only chosen photographs of his prayers at mosques, but also his attendance of celebrations of other races and religions.
He is the Head of Religion, but as the book rightly put – “His Majesty is also fair in his approach to people of other faiths and always emphasises the importance of unity and solidarity amongst ‘Bangsa Johor,’ irrespective of race and religion.”
The book includes a quote uttered by Tuanku on June 1, 2019, when he said, “I wish to emphasise that in living amongst people of various religions and races, it is imperative that we adopt the principle of mutual respect, spirit of goodwill and a heart of love.”
There are pictures of his visits to the state-level Thaipusam celebrations at the Arulmigu Thendayuthapani and Sri Subramaniar Temples in Johor Baru as well as the annual Chingay procession.
At a time when certain religious leaders cast doubt on the attendance of Muslims at such events, Tuanku must be commended for putting on record his presence at these ceremonies.
This book, as expected, has detailed his more published moments like his annual Kembara road trip, where he leads a convoy of motorcycles to all the districts where he meets and hears directly from the people about their issues.
His many welfare programmes to assist less fortunate Johoreans, especially during the monsoon season when villagers are hit, are documented here, too.
He goes to these affected areas and personally takes charge of relief work.
But an interesting chapter in the book is where His Majesty shared pictures of himself whipping up many kinds of dishes in the kitchen. From simple curry puffs to lobster nasi briyani to Japanese curry, he has real culinary skills as well.
It runs in the family as his sister, Her Majesty, Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, is also an excellent cook.
This book will serve as a useful and simple guide to showcase the momentous times of the Sultan of Johor for Malaysians to better understand him and his values.
“This collection of photographs that vividly capture the significance of the culture, ceremonies, functions and gatherings is a unique work for the benefit of my people and also future generations.
“Most people may not have had the opportunity to witness the regal ceremonies conducted inside the Palace. I hope through this book, the people will be able to have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich culture, history and heritage of the Sultanate of Johor,” Sultan Ibrahim wrote in his foreword.
More importantly, let’s hope this book inspires Malaysians, whether in Johor or other states, to renew and strengthen their loyalty and respect for our Rulers.
For more information on the book, email general@sijf.my.
