KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 — People of various ethnicities and religions have expressed their excitement for the reign of the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, who was elected the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong today.
They believe His Royal Highness’ concern for the common people regardless of their backgrounds, as witnessed through various activities, like ‘Kembara Mahkota Johor’ and visits to meet the people, is evidence of his sincerity in governing Malaysia’s diverse society.
Sultan Ibrahim’s election to succeed Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, whose reign concludes on January 30 next year, was decided upon during the Special 263rd Meeting of the Conference of Rulers at Istana Negara today.
In Negeri Sembilan, retired civil servant Mohd Amin Jalil, 60, said Sultan Ibrahim’s election is undoubtedly a pride for the people, especially in Johor, because His Royal Highness is well-known as a people-friendly Ruler.
“I pray for His Royal Highness and Permaisuri Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah to be blessed with good health in governing Malaysia wisely. May they be granted lasting well-being,” said the native of Ledang, Tangkak, Johor, who has lived in the state for over two decades.
In Selangor, Juli Blat, 54, the Tok Batin of Kampung Orang Asli in Sungai Buah, Dengkil, said he highly valued Sultan Ibrahim’s election and hopes His Royal Highness will maintain his firmness when leading the nation.
“Sultan Ibrahim is a people-friendly Ruler, I hope the ‘Kembara Mahkota Johor’, the brainchild of His Royal Highness, can continue in Peninsular Malaysia. I also hope His Royal Highness will be willing to visit us in the Orang Asli villages,” he said.
For 35-year-old architectural draughtsman K. Sivananthan, he is excited to witness the historic event of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s election through the unique five-year rotation system, which he found different from other countries.
In Melaka, 28-year-old private sector employee Izaida Raihanah Idris from Taman Cempaka, Peringgit, hope the King-designate would remain a symbol of unity and protection for the people.
Another private sector employee, Mohamad Fazrul Abdul Majid, 34, from Bukit Rambai, hopes Sultan Ibrahim would organise a nationwide tour like the “Kembara Jelajah Borneo” in September this year, as such tours can help maintain the special bond between the country’s supreme leader and the people.
In Penang, Liu Cheng Lam, 54, who closely follows news about the royal institution in the country, is confident that Sultan Ibrahim will continue to serve the people fairly.
“The Sultan of Johor is a noble-hearted leader and is always loved by people of various races. I know he is one who consistently helps the people in his state. We hope that after becoming the Agong, he will stay connected with all of us,” said the grocery store owner in Kepala Batas.
Meanwhile, in Perak, entrepreneur S. Lakshman, 36, said he believes Sultan Ibrahim’s appointment would continue the leadership legacy that focuses on issues concerning people of various races, as highlighted by Al-Sultan Abdullah.
“I will always remember everything Al-Sultan Abdullah did, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic and political changes. I am confident it will be continued by Sultan Ibrahim, who we know is firm, committed, courageous, and yet people-oriented,” he said.
In Kedah, private sector employee Fakhrul Razi Ismail, 39, believes people of various races and religions look forward to Sultan Ibrahim’s reign.
In Pahang, private sector worker Lau Yoke Ping, 40, hoped the Sultan of Johor’s strong leadership would guarantee the nation’s stability, particularly concerning political matters and consistent governance, for the benefit of the people.
“I also hope His Royal Highness will be firm in ensuring the welfare and harmony of all, addressing concerns related to the 3R (religion, royalty, and race) issue. The diversity of our culture is Malaysia’s greatest asset,” he said.
In Terengganu, people also greeted the news with joy, including a financial sector worker, Ngo Kea Leng, 46, from Taman Sri Manir, who is confident His Royal Highness can uphold the dignity of the royal institution in Malaysia.
Ngo said Sultan Ibrahim keeps abreast of current national developments and often provides warnings if issues threaten the harmony and unity among the races in the country.
People in Kelantan also expressed their confidence that Sultan Ibrahim’s election would bring prosperity to the country and enable the Ruler to connect with the people.
Public servant Alfarizal Wan Chik, 47, from Lundang, said the people will support leaders who are caring and attentive to the needs of the citizens.
A public servant in Sabah, Norliza Yusof, 39, hopes Sultan Ibrahim would continue the legacy of governance set by Al-Sultan Abdullah and continue the “Kembara Kenali Borneo” initiative.
Roslan Ismail, a 42-year-old private sector worker, believed that programmes like “Kembara Kenali Borneo” can bring people closer to the royal institution and highlight Sabah’s rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnicities.
— Bernama
