JOHOR BAHARU: Tunku Ibrahim Ismail Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar was yesterday proclaimed as the new Sultan of Johor.
Tunku Ibrahim Ismail Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar
The proclamation, made in accordance with the Johor State Constitution 1895, was officially announced by Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman at Istana Besar Johor Baharu at 10.21am.
“In keeping with the Johor State Constitution 1895, the Sultan’s heir, Tunku Ibrahim Ismail Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, is hereby proclaimed as the King and Sultan under the same law,” Abdul Ghani said.
Soon after the proclamation, Tunku Ibrahim Ismail, 51, took his oath as the Sultan of Johor and pledged to rule with fairness, justice and compassion.
Donning a white Baju Melayu, the new ruler also pledged to respect and protect Islam and Malay customs and to be steadfast in upholding the Johor State Constitution 1895 as well as the laws of the state of Johor.
The oath-taking ceremony was witness by Sultanah Zanariah, his wife Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah and all of his children and siblings.
Also present were Johor Islamic Religious Council advisor Datuk Noh Gadot, former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and state executive council members.
The proclamation was following the death of his father, the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Iskandar Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail, at Puteri Specialist Hospital here at 7.15pm on Friday.
The proclamation took place just hours before the late Sultan Iskandar’s remains were buried at the Bukit Mahmoodiah Royal Mausoleum here.
On Friday, Tunku Ibrahim Ismail was appointed the Regent of Johor when the Sultan of Johor was admitted to the hospital due to illness.
Tunku Ibrahim Ismail and Raja Zarith Sofiah, who were married in 1982, have five children, namely Tunku Ismail Idris Abdul Majid Abu Bakar Iskandar, Tunku Amina, Tunku Idris, Tunku Abdul Jalil, Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tunku Iman.
Tunku Ibrahim Ismail was proclaimed crown prince of Johor on July 3, 1981.
He was also appointed the regent on April 25, 1984 when Sultan Iskandar was elected the eighth Yang di-Pertuan Agong by his brother rulers.
Tunku Ibrahim Ismail, who was born on Nov 22, 1958 at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baharu, is the eldest of 10 siblings and had his early education at the Sekolah Temenggong Abdul Rahman Satu, Johor.
His father then sent him to the Trinity Grammar School in Australia where he studied from 1968 to 1970 before continuing his secondary education at the Sultan Abu Bakar College.
Tunku Ibrahim Ismail received his religious education at the Sekolah Agama Bukit Zaharah and Sekolah Agama Air Molek in Johor Baharu.
After completing his secondary education, he was sent to the army training centre in Kota Tinggi where he received basic military training for three months.
He was also sent to Fort Bening, Georgia, in the United States to acquire more military knowledge. — Bernama
He also attended military training in Fort Bragg in the US.
On his return to Malaysia, Tunku Ibrahim Ismail was appointed the deputy commander of the Johor Military Force.
Tunku Ibrahim Ismail also attended helicopter training at the Kluang military base where he earned his wings.
He also attended a two-month training stint with the Royal Malaysian Navy.
The regent is a keen sportsman, excelling in polo which has taken him to international competitions abroad, such as Singapore, the Philippines and Brunei.
He is also a tennis player, windsurfer, shooter and motoring enthusiast. — Bernama