With the ascension of the new King now completed, we would like to share some poignant facts about Sultan Ibrahim of Johor who will reign Malaysia for the next five years. His Royal Highness will assert his style of rule which has made the ruler much revered in his home state.
To better know our King, perhaps these ten points can shed some insights into his personality and what we can expect from Sultan Ibrahim.
Sultan Ibrahim is the third of four children and the eldest son of Sultan Iskandar ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail. He became the Sultan of Johor in 2010, following the death of his father who had ruled the state since 1981. However, he was officially crowned as the Sultan of Johor on March 23, 2015.
Born on November 22, 1958, Sultan Ibrahim is currently 66 years old. The heir apparent to the Johor throne is his son, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who was appointed as the Regent of Johor.
A well-educated King, Sultan Ibrahim attended the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in Boston, Massachusetts. Despite not having a tertiary education, he underwent military training from a young age and holds a high-ranking position in the local military. He completed various military courses locally and internationally, including the American Special Forces Green Beret and Pathfinder Course.
Sultan Ibrahim is known to be an avid car enthusiast. His impressive car collection includes unique vehicles such as an Optimus Prime-inspired Mack Truck and a three-wheeler vintage car. He actively engages in motorsports and has a license to drive a locomotive. His love for cars extends to promoting the automotive industry in Johor.
As a ruler, Sultan Ibrahim is recognised for his outspoken nature. While the role of royals in Malaysia is largely ceremonial, he is considered a symbol of stability and unity, especially in politics and law. He has spoken out against corruption, supported international relations, and condemned racial discrimination in the country.
Sultan Ibrahim is actively involved in various business ventures, making the Johor royal family one of the richest in Malaysia. The family’s assets, estimated at least at US$5.7 billion, include investments in companies, real estate, and the partnership with Country Garden on the Forest City project.
To better understand the situation in Johor, Sultan Ibrahim initiated the annual Kembara Mahkota Johor program. This program involves touring the state’s rural areas, allowing him to connect with the local communities and gain insights into their needs and concern,
Sultan Ibrahim has defended his involvement in business, stating that he, like everyone else, needs to earn a living. Despite receiving a monthly allowance, he emphasised the necessity of engaging in business ventures to sustain his lifestyle.
He actively advocated for political stability in Malaysia. His direct and outspoken approach on national matters has drawn attention to the relationship between the national palace and the federal government. And has expressed the desire for certain institutions, including the anti-graft agency and Petronas, to report directly to him.
