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The Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Reigning with vision and compassion
KNOWN for his frankness and deep compassion for his subjects, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has never hesitated to speak up when the welfare of the people is at stake. Since ascending the Johor throne in 2010, His Majesty has consistently demonstrated a strong and independent voice even when addressing controversial matters, including calling out political figures who sow disunity. His Majesty is now serving a five-year term as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, beginning on Jan 31, 2024. In the past, Sultan Ibrahim made headlines when, upon realising the harm vaping could cause, His Majesty ordered a ban on the sale of vapes, vape liquids and e-cigarettes in the state, effective from 2016. Johor was the first state in the country to carry out such a bold move. In 2017, Sultan Ibrahim also ordered a launderette in Muar to immediately end its discriminatory 'Muslims-only' policy, warning that failure to comply would lead to its closure. Sultan Ibrahim also criticised a former Cabinet minister for giving a political talk in a mosque, emphasising that mosques in Johor should remain free from political influence. The King paying a visit to a residential area struck by a gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, in April this year. During the visit, His Majesty also handed out aid to affected victims through the Sultan Ibrahim Johor Foundation. — Photo from Sultan Ibrahim's official Facebook page The Ruler has repeatedly emphasised inclusiveness. In 2023, following allegations that a school in Johor Baru had invited only Muslim students to a Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia workshop, His Majesty decreed that no public programme should exclude anyone based on race or religion. Sultan Ibrahim is active in using social media – particularly Facebook, where his official page has over 1.1 million followers – as a platform to share his thoughts about issues close to his heart, such as environmental cleanliness and public health. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Sultan Ibrahim appealed for calm and urged the public to comply with the Health Ministry's standard operating procedures. His Majesty also urged teachers to get vaccinated in order to help prevent the spread of the virus among students. A strong advocate of racial harmony, Sultan Ibrahim has also championed the Bangsa Johor concept to foster unity among the state's multiracial communities. His Majesty has consistently insisted on inclusive representation from Malay, Chinese and Indian non-governmental organisations for programmes such as the annual Kembara Mahkota Johor expedition. Despite his commanding presence, His Majesty is also known for his compassion. Those who have met Sultan Ibrahim often describe him as a warm and approachable leader, known for his ready smile and good sense of humour. His softer side is most evident when the King listens to the struggles of his people, often moved to tears by their stories. Sultan Ibrahim greeting people during the Istana Johor Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house held at Istana Besar in Johor Baru in April this year. Despite the hot and humid weather, thousands of people attended the event. In the aftermath of the tragic 2016 fire at Sultanah Aminah Hospital that claimed six lives, the Ruler offered the Royal Ward to temporarily house affected patients. Similarly, during the 2019 chemical pollution crisis in Pasir Gudang, the Johor royal family visited victims multiple times and ensured that aid was provided to them. In 2023, when severe floods struck Johor, His Majesty cut short a private trip to Turkiye to return home early. Even while abroad, the King remained in constant communication with the state government and instructed the Sultan Ibrahim Johor Foundation to provide assistance. Over the years, the foundation has contributed more than RM170mil in aid, including 103,000 tents prepared in anticipation of floods in Johor and other states. During the Covid-19 crisis, both His Majesty and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, showed unwavering support for Johoreans facing hardship. Johor Council of Royal Court president and long-time royal aide Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Ramli described Sultan Ibrahim as someone who is close to the people, a trait that has long been the hallmark of the Johor Sultanate. 'They like to meet people. That's why the palaces in Johor are built within populated areas, not far away on a hill. They want the palace to be accessible to the rakyat,' he said. During the King's visits to meet his subjects in the districts, Abdul Rahim said Sultan Ibrahim would enter people's homes and sit cross-legged on the floor, enjoying simple dishes such as nasi putih, asam pedas, sambal belacan and ikan kering. Abdul Rahim, who is set to publish his sixth book on the royal family and Johor traditions, added that while each Johor Sultan has a unique personality, they all share a deep and unwavering commitment to the welfare of their people. Sultan Ibrahim having a discussion with Abdul Rahim at Rumah Danga in Johor. — Photo from Sultan Ibrahim's official Facebook page 'They never want anyone to be marginalised. They always put the people first,' he said, adding that Sultan Ibrahim wants the people to have progressive ideas, discipline, high integrity and the spirit of cooperation. Abdul Rahim said that Sultan Ibrahim is also very detail-oriented. For example, when an event is being organised, His Majesty would want to see three types of menus for him to choose from. When asked about the duties of the royal court, Abdul Rahim said the royal court was established under the state constitution to provide advice to the Ruler. 'In that sense, the Ruler is the Regent now. At the same time, we also have a dual role in advising Sultan Ibrahim, and most of our duties usually involve family matters. 'We plan the birthdays and handle matters when there is a birth or even a death,' said Abdul Rahim, who is among 12 members of the council. Known for his astute business acumen and strong leadership, Sultan Ibrahim aims to transform Johor into Malaysia's next key economic hub after the Klang Valley. Sultan Ibrahim was crowned the fifth modern Sultan of Johor in March 2015, marking the first coronation in the state since that of his grandfather, Almarhum Sultan Ismail, in 1960. A seasoned investor with diverse local and international ventures, the Ruler often includes state officials and heads of government-linked companies on his trips to explore opportunities that benefit Johor. Beyond governance, His Majesty has a passion for vintage and modern cars and motorcycles, many of which are housed in his palace garages. One of his prized achievements is the unique Istana Flintstones in Mersing – a 24-ha palace inspired by the classic animated series, complete with a nine-storey lighthouse overlooking the sea. The palace has since become a tourist attraction in the coastal town. The Ruler's bond with his people is further strengthened through the Kembara Mahkota Johor, a royal expedition initiated in 2001 aimed at fostering closer ties between the royal family and the public. Although the programme has been on hold since 2020 due to the pandemic, it remains a signature initiative close to His Majesty's heart. His passion for sports, especially polo, is also well documented. In his younger years, His Majesty participated in matches not only in Malaysia but also in Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines. The King earned the distinction of being the best polo player in Asia during the Polo World Qualifiers in the 1990s. Besides that, Sultan Ibrahim also enjoys parasailing, boating (jet ski), parachuting, shooting and driving sports cars. His Majesty once won a falling plate shooting event organised by the army at the Malaysian Army Combat Training Centre (Pulada) in Johor. According to Abdul Rahim, His Majesty parachuted out of a plane 19 times during his American Special Forces training which earned him a Green Beret and wings. 'Very few leaders have undergone such training,' he said, adding that Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has done nine such jumps as part of his own training. Sultan Ibrahim, who is the third of 10 children and the eldest son, was born at Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru on Nov 22, 1958. His Majesty received his formal education at Sekolah Temenggong Abdul Rahman (1) before moving on to Trinity Grammar School in Australia and later to the United States to further his studies in law and diplomacy. Sultan Ibrahim also obtained his religious education from Sekolah Agama Air Molek in Johor Baru. His Majesty conferred Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (left) with the Darjah Kerabat Johor Yang Amat Dihormati Pangkat Pertama during an audience at Istana Negara in January this year. — Photo from Sultan Ibrahim's official Facebook page After completing his secondary education, the King underwent basic military training at Pusat Latihan Darat in Kota Tinggi, Johor, for three months. The King also underwent military training in the United States – first at Fort Benning, Georgia, and later at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Upon completion, Sultan Ibrahim was appointed deputy commander of the Johor Military Force. Sultan Ibrahim has trained and served in both the Air Force and Navy and is a qualified Green Beret commando in both Malaysia and the United States. The Ruler is also a US Navy SEAL, an honorary member of Indonesia's Kopassus Red Berets and a fully certified divemaster. As part of preparations for kingship, Sultan Ibrahim joined the Johor Civil Service and served in various departments, including the district office, as well as the land, health and treasury departments. In 1981, Sultan Ibrahim was proclaimed the Tunku Mahkota of Johor. His Majesty is married to Raja Zarith Sofiah, a Perak princess and Oxford University graduate, who also serves as the Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The couple is blessed with six children – Tunku Ismail, Tunku Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, Tunku Idris Iskandar Ismail Abdul Rahman, the late Tunku Abdul Jalil Iskandar Ibrahim Ismail, Tunku Abdul Rahman Hassanal Jeffri and Tunku Abu Bakar Mahmood Iskandar Ibrahim.
Barnama
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Johor To Consider Integrating Values Education Into Pilot School Programme
ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 23 (Bernama) -- The Johor government is weighing a proposal to embed values education into its Bangsa Johor pilot school (SRBJ) programme, which aims to nurture a generation of well-rounded, socially responsible students. State Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin said that the initiative could draw inspiration from Japan's values-based education model. He said the move would complement the existing Johor Student Character Module (KrMJ), which promotes traits such as discipline, integrity and leadership among students. 'The goal is to develop students who not only excel academically, but who are also grounded in character and able to contribute meaningfully to society,' said Aznan, who is also the assembly member for Tanjung Surat. He said this in his closing remarks during the Johor Legislative Assembly sitting at the Sultan Ismail Building here today. The SRBJ initiative, launched in February, is currently being piloted in four schools. It will be evaluated over a one-year period to determine its effectiveness. However, Aznan said any potential expansion of the programme would require careful planning, ongoing stakeholder engagement and demonstrable results. He noted that while interest in the initiative is growing, the state government will adopt a cautious approach before considering its implementation statewide. The Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail, who first proposed the SRBJ concept, last week expressed satisfaction at its progress. He voiced hope that the programme would serve as a model for a more inclusive and progressive education system.
New Straits Times
10-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Bangsa Johor pilot schools joins Apple's global elite in digital education
JOHOR BARU: Four Bangsa Johor pilot schools have become the first daily schools in Malaysia to be recognised as Apple Distinguished Schools, placing them among a select group of just 1,000 innovative educational institutions globally. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the milestone reinforced the state's commitment to digital learning and positions the pilot schools as elite institutions on the world stage. "There are only nine Apple Distinguished Schools in Malaysia, and until now, all of them were fully residential schools. Four of these nine are Bangsa Johor pilot schools (SRBJ)," he said. "This makes the SRBJ schools the first and only daily schools in the country to be accorded this honour." The schools awarded the distinction are Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tasek Utara, Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tasek Utara, SMK Kota Puteri, and SK Kota Puteri 4 in Pasir Gudang. These institutions form the first cohort under the Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ) initiative. "These schools were not selected by chance — they are part of a bold experiment," Onn Hafiz said during a town hall session at SMK Tasek Utara, attended by parents, teachers, and education officials. "If successful, the programme will be expanded across the state." The Apple Distinguished School designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate continuous innovation in learning, teaching, and the learning environment — a reflection of Johor's ambition to lead in educational technology. As part of Johor's digital education transformation, 2,496 iPads have been distributed, benefiting 2,264 pupils and 213 teachers at the four SRBJ schools. The iPad rollout is a collaborative initiative by the Johor state government and the Raja Zarith Sofiah Foundation, in strategic partnership with Apple Education, and sponsored by QSR Brands. Onn Hafiz said the programme aligned with Johor's vision of developing a new generation of learners through the SRBJ model, which promotes blended learning, digital literacy, and 21st-century competencies. "This recognition by Apple is a testament to the state's forward-thinking approach and the strength of public-private partnerships in education," he added. The SRBJ initiative is personally endorsed by the Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and forms part of the state's broader strategy to position Johor as a developed, digitally-advanced economy by 2030. The programme focuses on three key pillars set by Tunku Ismail: economic empowerment, modern infrastructure, and world-class education. As part of the initiative, RM30 million will be invested to upgrade schools with smart classrooms, AI-powered laboratories, refurbished libraries, modernised teachers' lounges, and revamped canteen facilities. Meanwhile, the State Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin said that SRBJ students would sit for a new Primary Level School Examination (PLSE) and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), which is equivalent to the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). He said these changes were part of Johor's strategy to internationalise learning outcomes and ensure global recognition of the state's educational standards.
