JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 22 — The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, has decreed the Regent of Johor will assume the responsibility of safeguarding the interests of Johor and its people, as well as exercising all rights and powers of the Ruler of the State.
According to the Federal Constitution, when Sultan Ibrahim ascends to the Federal throne as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the power of Ruler of his State shall be vested in Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who will be appointed as the Regent of Johor.
As such, His Royal Highness entrusts the state government to provide guidance to the Crown Prince just as they had guided him when serving as Regent during his late father Sultan Iskandar Almarhum Sultan Ismail’s reign as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 1984 to 1989.
“The Regent will bear the responsibility of safeguarding the state and the people of Johor, as well as exercising all rights and power of the Ruler of his State, except as Head of the religion of Islam,” Sultan Ibrahim said at his 65th birthday celebration ceremony at Istana Besar today.
“Even though I will reside at Istana Negara, it does not mean I will permanently move 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,” said the Ruler, according to The Royal Johor Facebook post.
Sultan Ibrahim also reminded government officials not to mix political affairs with state administration and that every decision should be made based on the interests of the people and the government, not driven by political motives.
“Perform your duties and responsibilities honestly and faithfully. You all understand my way; do not waste time and do not talk too much.
“I will also leave one eye and one ear in Johor to monitor what is happening here. Do not be surprised if I suddenly appear in any district,” said His Royal Highness.
During its Special 263rd Meeting on October 27, the Conference of Rulers elected Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a five-year term, effective January 31, next year.
Sultan Ibrahim will replace Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, whose reign will end on January 30.
— Bernama
