JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 27 — The election of Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong brings good news to all strata of Bangsa Johor and fills the state with a sense of pride.
As anticipated, Sultan Ibrahim 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, who will end his reign on Jan 30.
Entrepreneur Mohd Said Mustaffa, 59, said His Majesty 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 all Malaysians.
“His Majesty 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 that is held every year.
“His Majesty always pays attention to the community, including the Orang Asli, and as the head of religion, he always ensures that the teachings of Islam are preserved and that no group can disrupt the peace and unity among the races,” the father of three told Bernama here today.
The Johor Malay Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) Coordinating Council ((Gabung Johor) is confident that Sultan Ibrahim can shoulder the responsibility of ruling the country fairly and wisely.
Gabung Johor information chief Abdullah Md Yusof, in a statement today, said Sultan Ibrahim 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 Majesty was elected as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for all Malaysians.
“We, the people of Johor, will always be behind Sultan Ibrahim no matter what the situation is,” he said, adding that Gabung Johor currently has 45 NGOs.
Permata Baiduri Malaysia president Faridah Hamzah said that as a Johor native, she was excited and proud when the Sultan of Johor was elected as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“I am looking forward to this because His Majesty and his friendly and caring personality have often been the talk of the town,” said Faridah, who lives outside of Johor.
Private company manager Felix Tan is hopeful that His Majesty’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 Majesty 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 Majesty as a respected Ruler who was friendly and approachable by the common folks.
“I have many memories with His Majesty 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 Majesty. Surely the national economy will also be strong because His Majesty has often reminded the Johor government to always have strong finances and spend wisely and responsibly,” he said.
Persatuan Anak Melayu Johor (PAMJ) hopes that Sultan Ibrahim’s programmes with the people, which have become a routine in Johor, can be continued throughout the country.
PAMJ president Datuk Seri Dr Syed Hussien Al-Habshee said programmes such as the Kembara Mahkota Johor clearly show the concern of His Majesty, who is willing to go to the ground to see for himself the condition of the rakyat throughout the state.
“I believe that when Sultan Ibrahim is installed as Yang di-Pertuan Agong later, His Majesty will rule well at the national level just as His Majesty rules at the state level while continuing with programmes to help the poor at the national level,” he said.
