M.Krishnamoorthy
A media coach, adjunct professor and author
Welcome to Istana Negara Yang Mulia Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar -- a King with a vision to benefit Malaysians.
As Malaysians, we are proud of you, Yang Mulia, because of your dynamism, as today, 31st January 2024, is your first day at Istana Negara.
His Majesty is a good communicator, and you are known to get the message across. He uses the media to bridge the gap between the palace and the Rakyat. His Royal Highness Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar embraces the challenges of the digital age, understanding the power shift from mainstream media to the dynamic realm of social media.
The wise King’s commitment to unity is a rallying cry for a nation to rise above petty divisions. It’s time to embrace the strength found in understanding, tolerance, and the shared values of its people. The winds change for Malaysia, and they are blowing strong. He casts aside petty issues, manipulated by politicians threatening to tear apart the delicate fabric that held the nation together. The Sultan, however, saw through the smoke and mirrors, acknowledging that the real culprits behind the turmoil were the politicians themselves.
His Majesty has spent a lot of time developing Johor. The surge in construction activities in Johor mirrors the resurgence of hope under Sultan Ibrahim's reign. Recognising the pivotal role in economic revitalisation, the King is committed to providing affordable housing, which stands as a testament to the well-being of the people.
One corporate leader who took advantage of the incentives to invest in Johor in infrastructural projects is the Chairman of GDB Berhad, Tan Sri Zaini Omar. He praised His Majesty’s efforts to be business-friendly and attract business and investment to Johor. “We are proud of the Johor Sultan, the King of Malaysia, who will bring in more investments for the benefit of Malaysians,” said Zaini, former Director General of JKR and Department of Civil Aviation.
As the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) between Johor and Singapore takes shape, along with developing a particular financial zone in Forest City, Sultan Ibrahim envisions a bright future for Johor, where the state’s presence is further established globally.
In sharing his vision to position Johor prominently on the global map, the ruler emphasised the importance of attracting more investments, especially from high-technology and tourism-related companies.
Yet, amidst the storm, there were pillars of strength— he was the Ruler who would maintain stability in Malaysia. Zaini said the King is dedicated to building the Johor economy, breaking barriers, building bridges, and fostering unity. “The Sultan has warned that destructive forces in the opposition sought to undermine these efforts, employing lies and mistrust to advance their divisive agendas. Many businesses have also set up in Johor for the relaxed incentives Sultan Ibrahim has got the State Government to provide.”
As Johor’s Sultan, His Majesty maintains the state’s deep business and economic ties with Singapore, its close neighbour. “We, Johor and Singapore, can decide important issues and resolve them over a cup of tea.” Sultan Ibrahim ascribed this to the “special relationship” that exists not just between governments but also between the Johor royal house and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s family, with the two leaders having known each other for more than 35 years.
At the forefront of this battle for unity and business stood His Majesty, resolute in his vision and mission for the next five years to build Malaysia’s economic growth. He declared, "There is no place for those who do not respect our Federal Constitution and the cherished principles of the Rukun Negara." His words echoed the universal philosophy of peaceful coexistence—live and let live.
Amidst the chaos, the Rakyat, the ordinary people, found solace in the fact that their Ruler was not oblivious to the machinations at play. He understood that the age-old race and religion are often stirred and weaponised by some politicians for personal gain, a ploy to further their political ambitions.
His Majesty lamented the rise of irresponsible politicians, mere puppets in the hands of politicians, who sought to inject venom into the veins of society. The Sultan’s words were a poignant reminder that such discord and disrespect were unprecedented, a rupture in the social harmony carefully woven over generations.
"These politicians," Sultan Ibrahim exclaimed, "make inflammatory statements, threatening the very fabric of our society. They distort truths, confuse the masses, and sow seeds of hatred with no regard for the feelings and sensitivities of Malaysians."
GOLDSMITH'S ASSOCIATION WELCOMES KING
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has proven that the monarch transcends the role of a symbolic unifier, serving as a living bond that connects the people.
A member of the World Gold Council, Datuk Abdul Rasull bin Abdul Razak, said His Majestiy’s compassionate nature not only strengthened the connection between the people and the monarchy but also enhanced the people’s respect for the royal institution.
Abdul Razak, who is also the president of the Malaysian Indian Goldsmiths & Jewellers Association, described the King and Queen:
“Their compassionate nature not only fostered a stronger connection between the people and the monarchy but also bolstered the relationship between Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Government. It has also deepened public reverence for the royal institution."
According to Abdul Razak, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim would be etched in history for steering through unprecedented challenges as the Johor Sultan.
“His Majesty gracefully steered the ship of state through the transitions of various Johor Menteri Besar. His Majesty’s reign unfolded in the shadow of the global COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating stringent movement control orders in Johor.
“His Majesty displayed a remarkable commitment to a culture of high-level consultation by extending invitations to His brother Rulers from the respective states, fostering a collective spirit of togetherness of working in unison," said Abdul Razak.
He added: “His Royal Highness as constitutional monarch will continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring the nation’s stability by crafting a balanced approach that benefits not only the royal institution and the government but also the citizens and the nation. He will also prevent the rise of any extreme political ideologies. His Majesty will continue the legacy of the royal institution, serving as a steadfast guardian of democratic principles. Sultan Ibrahim is expected to inject fresh soul and energy into the throne of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. He will focus on promoting tolerance among different communities,” said Abdul Razak.
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, adjunct professor and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns.
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