The Johor Royal Family joined Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar of Johor to celebrate his 65th Birthday with a grand Ceremony and Investiture in the Throne Hall of the Istana Besar in Johor Bahru on November 22nd, ahead of his appointment as the 17th ‘Yang di-Pertuan Agong’ King of Malaysia next year.
The Sultan of Johor was joined by Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah, as well as Crown Prince Tunku Ismail, Crown Princess Khaleeda, and the Raja Muda on the Dias of the Throne Hall.
Also present were Tunku Aminah and Dato’ Dennis Muhammad Abdullah, Tunku Idris Iskandar, Tunku Abdul Rahman Hassanal Jefri, and Tunku Abu Bakar.
Sultan Ibrahim became the 25th Sultan of Johor in 2010, and was elected to a five-year term as Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia last month, with his tenure expected to start on at the end of January 2024. The Sultan is the brother of Queen Azizah of Malaysia, making him the brother-in-law of the current King Abdullah of Malaysia. Malaysia is the world’s only rotational monarchy, where the Hereditary Rulers of Nine of the Malay States are elected as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) for a 5-year term by the Conference of Rulers.
The Sultan gave a speech during the Ceremony:
My imminent appointment as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong is not a promotion but an additional responsibility that requires sacrifices of time and energy as the Head of State.
My priority is not to safeguard the interests of the 222 elected representatives in Parliament but the 33 million people of Malaysia, and this will be my 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
Stressing the need to strengthen unity and coercion among the people, Sultan Ibrahim urged all leaders to compromise and show mutual respect to enhance the prosperity and well-being of the people.
I instruct the State government to teach Tunku Mahkota Johor. The same way I was guided as the Acting Sultan when my late father became the Kingin 1984.
The Sultan will bear the responsibility of protecting the state and the people of Johor, as well as exercising all the rights and powers of the state governing except as the Leader of the Islamic Religion.
Although I reside at the National Palace, this doesn’t mean that I migrate straight to Kuala Lumpur. I will always go back to Johor because this is my hometown. Please Johor people do not forget me and do not pretend not to know me after this
Every decision made should be based on the interests of the people and the government, not because of political interests.
Perform your duties and responsibilities honestly and trustfully. Y’all already understand my ways and don’t waste time and don’t talk too much.
I will also leave one eye and ear in Johor to monitor what is happening here. Do not be surprised if I suddenly appear to any district
Crown Prince Tunku Ismail said:
You, my children and your relatives, pledge to always be loyal to you, my Lord, and show you the highest love because you, my Lord father, has granted guidance and shade to you, my children and all your relatives.
On this occasion also you children, relatives and the people of Johor extend the highest congratulations on the election of DYMM of your father Tuanku as the 17th Agong, accompanied by a prayer that may your father Tuanki always be granted good health and increase the sovereignty in favor of all the people.
