Exactly one month from today, on January 31 of the coming year, the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, will assume the role of the 17th King of Malaysia. His Majesty's deeds and pronouncements as the incoming monarch not only capture the attention of fellow Johorians but also resonate throughout the entire nation.
As we reflect on the year 2023, let's revisit the recent actions and statements of the King-to-be. Perhaps, through this retrospective, we can gain insights into what lies ahead.
As the sole ruler in Malaysia with His own military force, the Johor Royal Force established in 1886, Sultan Ibrahim has been dedicated to defending the rights of Johor citizens since his ascension on January 23, 2010. His Majesty's approachable style and bold stance against the central government have earned him the affection of the people of Johor.
Perhaps shaped by experiences in His youth, witnessing the curtailment of royal powers by the central government, Sultan Ibrahim exhibits an uncompromising personality. The Sultan is actively engaged in governance, urging officials, including the Chief Minister, to regularly report to Him. With each quarterly State Assembly opening, Sultan Ibrahim reminds assembly members not to treat the parliamentary chamber as a place for frivolity, emphasizing the importance of decorum.
Additionally, Sultan Ibrahim advocates the concept of "Bangsa Johor" and prohibits political speeches in religious places, playing a vital role in maintaining harmony among the diverse ethnic and religious groups in the state.
The Sultan has openly called for the central government to ease the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program and has actively promoted the Forest City to become a financial hub. He personally engaged in official visits to Singapore to strengthen economic and trade relations between Johor and Singapore.
As the incoming King, Sultan Ibrahim expressed in a recent interview that He does not intend to waste His five-year term by being a figurehead. Instead, the Sultan plans to leverage His influence to address and combat corruption, aiming to contribute to the restoration of order in Malaysia.
Sultan Ibrahim has proposed expanding the powers of the King, including greater authority in appointing members to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the national oil company. His Majesty hopes to have more substantial influence in the appointment of federal judges rather than relying solely on the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) recommendations.
Emphasizing that the MACC and the national oil company should report to the King rather than Parliament, he believes this move would ensure their independence from administrative influence. Sultan Ibrahim is committed to the fight against corruption and desires a more independent MACC.
His Majesty urges the people to give time to the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to develop the country. The anticipated changes Sultan Ibrahim will bring to the entire nation upon assuming the role of King are now a focal point of public interest.
