by Bernard Loke

Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar

Malaysia’s 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong

Malaysia’s unique rotating monarchy system saw the ruler of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, ascend to the throne, beginning his five-year reign as the nation’s 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King of Malaysia).

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim is the second ruler from the southernmost state of Peninsular Malaysia, Johor, to be named King after his late father, Sultan Mahmud Iskandar, who assumed the role about four decades ago, from 1984 to 1989.

Under this system of kingship in Malaysia, the only such system in the world that has been in place since the nation gained independence from Britain in 1957, the sovereigns from the nation’s nine royal families, following an established rotational order, take turns to be elected as King for a term of five years. The 65-year-old Sultan Ibrahim succeeded Pahang’s Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim took the oath of office in a traditional ceremony and signed the instrument of the proclamation of office at the royal palace in Kuala Lumpur on January 31, 2024. Present at the ceremony were Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, members of the other royal families, as well as cabinet members.

Prior to his reign as Malaysia’s King, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim was already widely known for his outspoken personality and assertive demeanour on a number of social and economic issues, including matters relating to racial harmony, healthcare, education for women and children, and environmental protection. He has also expressed concerns about government corruption and racial discrimination, which are hindering the nation’s progress.

His Majesty has championed notable initiatives to protect natural resources, including efforts to preserve forests and promote sustainability, while also actively spearheading philanthropic efforts to help the communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and during natural disasters such as floods.

Meanwhile, this stern yet people-friendly King of Malaysia is endowed with stellar leadership qualities, evident through his involvement in military training at the Army Combat Training Centre (PULADA) in Kota Tinggi, as well as at Fort Benning, Georgia, USA, where he also completed airborne and ranger training for infantry officers.

With His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim marking a new reign in Malaysian history, fellow Malaysians are hopeful that the next five years under the leadership of this Malay-British monarch will see better political stability and greater economic development.

In His Majesty’s inaugural address delivered at the Opening Ceremony of the Third Session of the 15th Parliament, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim reminded parliamentarians that the welfare of the Rakyat (people) interests prevails above the rest, and that the elected representatives should dedicate their focus to safeguarding their constituencies and constituents.

His Majesty stressed that Malaysia’s future is dependent not just on the Prime Minister but also on the joint responsibility of all 222 elected officials. He urged all parties to unite, stressing that he would not consider any request that threatened the country’s political stability.

The Johor royalty is also known to have an impressive business empire under his belt, spanning from real estate to power plants. As an avid fan of sports, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim enjoys tennis, sailing, shooting, parachuting, and excels in polo, all while also having a penchant for superbikes, vintage three-wheelers and luxury cars, including a Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, a Bugatti Veyron, and a life-size replica of the “foot-powered car” (albeit fitted with an engine) from his favourite cartoon “The Flintstones.” His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim is also the world’s first private owner of the Chinese-built ultra-luxurious sedan Hongqi L5, popularly known as the Rolls Royce of China.

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim is married to Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, who hails from the royal family in Perak. Apart from being an accomplished author, Her Majesty serves as the Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and received formal education from the University of Oxford. They are blessed with five princes and one princess.

Images by Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar via Facebook