JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 27 — The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar’s election as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong brings good news to all strata of Bangsa Johor and fills the state with pride.
As anticipated, His Royal Highness was elected as the 17th King to replace the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah of Pahang, whose reign concludes on January 30.
Entrepreneur Mohd Said Mustaffa, 59, said Sultan Ibrahim is known as a Sultan close to the hearts of the common people, and his reign is eagerly awaited not only by the people of this state but also by all Malaysians.
“His Royal Highness as the protector of the state, is very well-liked and loved by all the people of Johor, and this was proven during the Kembara Mahkota Johor held annually.
“His Royal Highness always pays attention to the community, including the Orang Asli, and as the head of religion, he always ensures Islam’s teachings are preserved and no group can disrupt the peace and unity among the races,” the father of three told Bernama today.
The Johor Malay Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) Coordinating Council (Gabung Johor) is confident Sultan Ibrahim can rule the country fairly and wisely.
In a statement today, Gabung Johor information chief Abdullah Md Yusof said His Royal Highness can definitely discharge his duty as effectively as he has been ruling Johor.
“Gabung Johor pledges its unwavering support and loyalty to the Sultan of Johor, and we as the Bangsa Johor, are very pleased when His Royal Highness was elected as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for all Malaysians.
“We, the people of Johor, will always be behind Sultan Ibrahim no matter the situation,” he said, adding that Gabung Johor currently has 45 NGOs.
Permata Baiduri Malaysia president Faridah Hamzah said as a Johor native, she is excited and proud when the Sultan of Johor was elected as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“I am looking forward to this because His Royal Highness and his friendly and caring personality have often been the talk of the town,” said Faridah, who lives outside Johor.
Private company manager Felix Tan is hopeful that Sultan Ibrahim’s government can maintain the peace and prosperity in the country.
“The Sultan of Johor has extensive experience and deserves to be elected as the Agong. I always respect the Sultan of Johor as he is always concerned about the people.
“I pray for His Royal Highness and his consort (Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah) to be blessed with good health to rule the country,” said Tan, who lives in Batu Pahat.
Businessman M. Kandapan from Masai, who had the opportunity to meet and take pictures with Sultan Ibrahim several times, described His Royal Highness as a respected Ruler who was friendly and approachable to the common folks.
“I have many memories with His Royal Highness a few years ago, and I am sure that with his friendly nature, the people of various races will respect him. May his reign bring prosperity and happiness to all.
“As a Bangsa Johor, we must be proud because it is an honour for us Johoreans. I hope he can rule the country fairly,” he said.
Kumpulan Penggerak Ibu Bapa Komuniti dan Swasta chairman Datuk Yahya Jaafar said this is a historic moment for the Bangsa Johor and Sultan Ibrahim can bring this country to greater heights.
“Just as Johor has progressed under the Sultan of Johor, so too will Malaysia continue to progress under the rule of His Royal Highness.
“Surely the national economy will also be strong because His Royal Highness has often reminded the Johor government always to have strong finances and spend wisely and responsibly,” he said.
Persatuan Anak Melayu Johor (PAMJ) hopes Sultan Ibrahim’s programmes with the people, which have become a routine in Johor, can be continued nationwide.
PAMJ president Datuk Seri Syed Hussien Al-Habshee said programmes like the Kembara Mahkota Johor clearly show His Royal Highness’ concern, who is willing to go to the ground to witness the rakyat’s condition throughout the state personally.
“I believe when Sultan Ibrahim is installed as Yang di-Pertuan Agong later, His Royal Highness will rule well at the national level just as on the state level while continuing with programmes to help the poor nationally ,” he said.
— Bernama
