King-Anwar’s excellent relations to heal Malaysia’s economy

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King-Anwar’s excellent relations to heal Malaysia’s economy

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 1, 2024: Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim, who ascended the throne as Malaysia’s 17^th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) yesterday, got down to work immediately.

The King marked his fist day in Istana Negara (palace) today with a meeting with Malaysia’s 10^th Prime Minister (PMX) Anwar Ibrahim.

Top of their agenda is believed to be the fight against the corrupt and corruption, and efforts and measures by the so-called Madani Unity Government to heal the country’s economy which is saddled with a RM1.5 trillion national debt.

The meeting is testimony to the excellent relations between the royalty and PMX, debunking talks that Anwar would be toppled by the Opposition (the Taliban-like PAS and Perikatan Nasional led by the racist Muhyiddin “I Am Malay First” Yassin).

No News Is Bad News reproduces below a news report on the meeting:

Update

King, Malay rulers supportive of efforts to fight graft, says Anwar

The prime minister also says he has never questioned the judiciary’s decisions or the actions of MACC or LHDN.

Bernama - 01 Feb 2024, 9:15pm

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stressed that those in power must not exploit their position to amass wealth. (Bernama pic)

REMBAU: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, and the Malay rulers support the government’s efforts to cleanse the country of corrupt practices and enhance good governance.

Anwar also said he has urged all leaders and civil servants to collectively combat corruption and make Malaysia a role model for other nations.

“This morning, I was granted an audience with the King at Istana Negara. His Majesty supports and backs the (government’s) measures to improve governance and cleanse the country of corrupt practices,” he said at a state-level programme here.

“I think this is a good opportunity. I want to call on all civil servants to provide the best service possible … I am confident that Malaysia’s dignity will be elevated if we have the right policies and cleanse (the country) of corrupt practices.”

Anwar said the country does not allow those in power to exploit their position to amass wealth, stressing that such practices must be stopped.

“Leaders should bear their responsibilities as a mandate (from the public). The prime minister or finance minister’s success must not be measured by how many billions of ringgit they can amass,” he said.

Anwar also said that throughout his first year of administration, he has never questioned the judiciary’s decisions or the actions of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) or Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).

“I give full authority to MACC. I do not give instructions to arrest individual A or search the house of individual B. I give general instructions; to save the country, we must go after the big fish,” he said.

Meeting with Anwar marks first day as king for Sultan Ibrahim

The prime minister’s audience comes after the ruler took his oath yesterday as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

FMT Reporters - 01 Feb 2024, 2:15pm

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at Istana Negara today. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Newly installed king Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim began his first day as national ruler by granting an audience to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The meeting at Istana Negara comes after the king took his oath yesterday as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The ceremony took place at the 264th special meeting of the Conference of Rulers in the throne room of Istana Negara.

Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak meanwhile was sworn in as the deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Sultan Ibrahim assumed the throne after the tenure of Pahang ruler Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah came to an end.

Sultan Ibrahim’s wife, Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah, also assumed the throne as the Raja Permaisuri Agong.

Sultan Ibrahim previously said that he had a good relationship with Anwar, who “seeks my opinion and provides me with suggestions”.

Last year, he also said that Anwar should be given more time to improve the country’s economy.

He acknowledged the financial challenges faced by Anwar’s unity government, and expressed relief that the prime minister’s visit to China had resulted in several positive outcomes.

It’s about public interest, responsibility and accountability

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It’s about public interest, responsibility and accountability

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 1, 2024: Two days after the Federal Territories Pardons Board met, there is still no official word whether the disgraced and shameless former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak will be freed.

If everything is above board, and there is no sinister political conspiracy to free the felon, why then is it so difficult to announce the board’s decision.

What’s there to hide in a highly public interest matter?

And, a constitutional lawyer, Bastian Pius Vendargon was reported to have said there was no law compelling the board to make its decisions public.

No News Is Bad News opines that the matter is not about what is legal or not. It is about public interest, responsibility and accountability. And morality.

Why let all sorts of unhealthy media speculations ferment in public?

After all, Najib’s case is not about stealing a can of sardines ,tuna  or milk powder from a supermarket.

The jailbird’s mishandling and mismanagement of the so-called Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), cost the rakyat dan negara (people and country) billions of ringgit in losses, contributing significantly to the country’s RM1.5 trillion national debt economy.

As a result, the rakyat dan negara are struggling financially to keep afloat to put food on the table daily for their loved ones, amid rising costs of living.

And Najib has failed, thus far, to show any remorse for the multi-billion-ringgit 1MDB losses

How then can you expect Malaysians to forgive Najib, the national thief, just like that without even having to return all his ill-gotten gains to the national coffer.

And his billionaire wife, Rosmah Mansor, is also appealing against a jail sentence.

Depending on the outcome of the board’s decision, it is set to have grave political consequences if the national thief is freed. And what about the integrity of the Government’s fight agaoinst corruption?

No News Is Bad News reproduces below a news report on the board’s moral obligation to the rakyat dan negara:

Pardons Board not legally compelled to make decision public, says lawyer

Bastian Pius Vendargon however says that the board has a moral obligation to do so.

Naveen Prabu - 01 Feb 2024, 11:00am

The Pardons Board should make public its decision on Najib Razak’s pardon application as the case is one of public interest, says lawyer Bastian Pius Vendargon.

PETALING JAYA: A constitutional lawyer says there is no law compelling the Federal Territories Pardons Board (FTPB) to make its decisions public, amid speculation that former prime minister Najib Razak will be granted a pardon for his corruption conviction.

However, Bastian Pius Vendargon said the board had a moral responsibility to do so.

He said it was crucial for FTPB to provide “well-founded and transparent reasons” for its decision, as it was a widely known and significant case.

“This is no ordinary case involving someone who committed murder and then is pardoned after 20 years.

“This is a public interest case and it involves public funds. Some of the money has been found in the US and elsewhere. So, this has caused a lot of public interest. There should be a proper explanation,” he told FMT.

Lawyer Charles Hector said although there were no legal requirements for the FTPB to announce its decisions publicly, transparency and accountability were important in a democratic system.

“The people demand it. They do not want ‘secrets’ as such conduct raises doubts. Why be afraid to be transparent and honest with the people?” he said.

He also recommended that all of FTPB’s decisions be made public and accompanied by concise explanations.

“It should be on the FTPB’s website. As pardons can be applied for by others, those who have applied should also get an answer.”

Meanwhile, another lawyer, Kitson Foong said the FTPB had the authority to withhold information from the public, particularly in cases where privacy concerns, such as an individual’s health issues, come into play.

“If a King forgives you, he forgives you. Just like the good old days of fairy tales. Whereas the court of public opinion is another story.

“But we are not ruled by the court of public opinion. We are ruled by the court of law and by the constitution.”

Rumours of Najib being granted a pardon have been swirling following reports that the FTPB met at Istana Negara on Monday.

The following day, federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, who sits on the board, confirmed that the meeting took place, but did not disclose if Najib’s application was discussed. She said a statement from the board was forthcoming.

The same day, Utusan Malaysia quoted sources as saying that Najib had been granted a royal pardon, but later retracted its report and issued an apology. - FMT

Does he deserve to be pardoned? - Facebook image

Hopefully this week, Zaliha says on Najib’s pardon decision

Rumours of the ex-PM being granted a pardon have swirled following reports that the Federal Territories Pardons Board met at Istana Negara on Monday.

Elill Easwaran - 01 Feb 2024, 9:25am

Federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa is ‘hopeful’ that the status of Najib Razak’s pardon application will be revealed this week.

PUTRAJAYA: Federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa has expressed hope that the status of former prime minister Najib Razak’s application for a royal pardon will be revealed this week.

“God willing, it will be announced this week,” she told reporters after an event here today.

“Be patient. We will wait for the statement from the board.”

Rumours of Najib being granted a pardon have been swirling following reports that the Federal Territories Pardons Board met at Istana Negara on Monday.

Zaliha, who sits on the board, previously confirmed that the meeting took place but did not diclose if Najib’s application was discussed.

At a press conference yesterday, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail acknowledged that the Cabinet had been informed of Najib’s application for a royal pardon.

However, he declined to give details of the information brought to the government’s attention.

“We discussed the matter briefly but since it falls within the jurisdiction of the board, it is the board that must answer,” Saifuddin said.

Najib began his 12-year prison term on Aug 23, 2022, following the Federal Court’s dismissal of his final appeal in the SRC International case.

His lawyer, Shafee Abdullah, previously said a pardon application was first submitted in September 2022, and that addendums to the petition were filed in October that year and in April 2023. - FMT

Let the nightmares begin for the corrupt

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Let the nightmares begin for the corrupt

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31, 2024: Now that Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim is Malaysia’s 17^th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King), the fight against the corrupt and corruption is expected to intensify further.

This is because both the new King and Malaysia’s 10^th Prime Minister (PMX) Anwar Ibrahim are in the same tune - the strive for good governance and it begins with the focus on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)’s without fear and favour crackdown on the suspected corrupt ikan jerung (sharks) and ikan billis (anchovies).

Malaysians surely do not sympathise with the corrupt suspects who may suffer from sleepless nights.

The nightmares are just beginning for the corrupt, as the Government focuses fully on healing Malaysia's RM1.5 trillion national debt economy.

No News Is Bad News reproduces below two news reports on the King and PMX’s support for good governance in Malaysia:

MALAYSIA

Government fully supports King's order to see Malaysia continue good governance, says Anwar

Anwar also stated that the government and the people are grateful to the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

Updated 34 minutes ago · Published on 31 Jan 2024 7:16PM

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it resonated with millions of Malaysians' aspirations to see the country's continued stability - Bernama, January 31, 2024

THE Madani government fully supports His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim's order for the country to continue its good, transparent governance and sustainable economic growth and focus on efforts to improve the people's living standard.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it resonated with millions of Malaysians' aspirations to see the country's continued stability for their prosperity and well-being and have opportunities and a better future for all.

"Hence, let us celebrate the beginning of the reign of the 17th King of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim," he said in a post on Facebook on Wednesday (Jan 31).

Anwar also stated that the government and the people are grateful to the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah for the far-sighted and visionary views expressed in his role as the Constitutional Monarch, allowing the country to enjoy the current political, social and economic stability. - Bernama, January 31, 2024

MALAYSIA

PM Anwar's Madani framework will make Malaysia more resilient with strong fiscal position - economists

Anwar introduced the concept of Malaysia Madani on Jan 19, 2023, an initiative that is inclusive of all groups and races.

Updated 4 days ago · Published on 27 Jan 2024 12:47PM 

The Madani concept has set the stage for economic reforms - The Vibes, January 27, 2024

 THE Madani framework embarked by the government would enable Malaysia to become more resilient, competitive and agile in a few years to come, with strong fiscal position that would enable the government to have the financial muscle to devise development programmes more effectively, economists said. 
Under the framework mooted by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the government will focus on the problem-solving process and values to build good morals in building a better society through six pillars, namely sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust and compassion.
In line with the focus, Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid believed that transparency and fairness in government dealings would create trust and confidence in the rakyat.
“The Madani concept has set the stage for economic reforms. Since it was launched, there have been several policy announcements such as the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (MTR 12MP) and Budget 2024.
”The government has launched the Central Database Hub (PADU) in early January 2024, while the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act has also been approved by Parliament in October last year,” he told Bernama. 
In that sense, he opined that the present administration has demonstrated its commitment to ensure that the economy would be more competitive and financially disciplined.
“I suppose it is now about execution and (we will) be able to see the desirable outcome,” he pointed out.
Anwar introduced the concept of Malaysia Madani on Jan 19, 2023, an initiative that is inclusive of all groups and races, to restore the country’s dignity and glory on the world stage as well as aiming to propel the nation towards development and prosperity. 
Touching on the NETR, Mohd Afzanizam said the roadmap essentially talks about energy transition which would certainly open up new opportunities for businesses to thrive as the country transforms towards a greener economy.
“Along the way, there will be a need for capacity building such as the availability of a highly skilled workforce and employing advanced technology in the production processes.
"All these would require massive investments, in which foreign investors will assess Malaysia accordingly and would put their money after completing their due diligence,” he said. 
He noted that these documents would serve as important information for investors to form their opinions before committing their investments.
More importantly, he said the government needs to strategically communicate all the initiatives to the rakyat and should mobilise its machinery, at the federal or state level.
“It also needs to showcase its progress report... let's say every quarterly. That way, we can see the outcome,” he said. 
Echoing similar thoughts, Malaysia University of Science and Technology economics professor Geoffrey Williams said civil servants need to be retrained from their old-fashioned way of thinking into an efficient and smarter way of mobilising the MADANI concept, making it a success for the whole nation. 
He opined that the Madani framework would be significant in changing the way people think, but it must be embedded into policy designs and practices that require changes and speed in implementation.
“Nevertheless, we have started to see a change in approach to the economy under the MADANI framework with better fiscal management, a stronger focus on cutting wastage, leakages and corruption, and an emphasis on structural reforms,” he noted.
On taxes, Williams believed that Malaysia needs a fresh new look at taxes and a plan to reform taxes during the rest of the parliamentary sittings in search of fiscal headroom.
“Reducing taxes is always better than increasing taxes, but the government has inherited a very inefficient tax system built up over time with ad hoc taxes based on old-style thinking,” he said.
On Jan 16,  Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the government had agreed to exempt the imposition of capital gains tax (CGT) as well as taxes on foreign sourced income (FSI) on unit trusts, with the exemption on CGT effective from Jan 1, 2024, until Dec 31, 2028, while the exemption on FSI is effective from Jan 1, 2024, until Dec 31, 2026.
"Given that more than 90 per cent of unit trust holders are individuals, the government will continue to make capital market investments in Malaysia rakyat-friendly," he said. - Bernama, January 27, 2024

A King for all Malaysians

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A King for all Malaysians

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31, 2024: Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar today ascended the throne as Malaysia’s 17^th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King).

His Majesty is thus also the head of Malaysia’s Religious Council.

Prior to his five-year appointment as the King, he had been very critical of racial and religious bigots, ticking them off for exploiting racial and religious sentiments for political mileage.

The bigots can be found on both sides of the political divide but there are more from the Opposition spearheaded by the Taliban-like PAS and Perikatan Nasional (PN) led by the racist Muhyiddin “I Am Malay First” Yassin.

Even the KIng had said that he is “Malaysian First”.

So, how will the racial and religious bigots behave from today?

His Majesty has also said that his main focus is to get rid of the corrupt and corruption so that the federal government can focus on healing the country’s RM1.5 trillion national debt economy.

No News Is Bad News reproduces below news reports on what the new Agong had said when he was the Johor ruler and is now truly a King for all Malaysians: 

 

The Coverage/News/Sultan Johor : If All Is To Be Forbidden, Then Live In A Cave – “Will The Gov Then Have To Produce Muslim-Friendly Money?”

NEWS

Sultan Johor : If All Is To Be Forbidden, Then Live In A Cave – “Will The Gov Then Have To Produce Muslim-Friendly Money?”

31 January, 2020 

 

Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has spoken out against various forbidden practices on grounds of religion to the point of impracticality, pointing out that it would become impossible to live in a community.

He raised this matter when elaborating on a Muslims-only laundrette, which had refused to serve non-Muslim customers on grounds of “purity”.

“Think for yourselves. What about seats in public places that may have been licked by dogs or pillows and blankets in hotels that have come in contact with najis (unclean things).

“This will never end. If everything is to be forbidden, then my advice is – it will be better to live alone in a cave instead of living in a community,” Sultan Ibrahim said in his speech at the 17th Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) convocation in Batu Pahat yesterday.

A video of the speech was uploaded on Sultan Ibrahim’s official Facebook page.

 

Likewise, Sultan Ibrahim said, ringgit notes may have also come in contact with pork or liquor sellers.

“Will the government then have to produce Muslim-friendly money?” he asked.

Touching on the Muslims-only laundrette, on which he had ordered that the controversial policy be done away with, Sultan Ibrahim said such a practice would serve to divide the people.

“As head of religion, it is my duty to maintain the peace and unity among the multi-racial people in this state.

“Therefore, whatever that I feel will lead to division, there will be immediate action,” he said.

He added that such a practice was “extreme” and went on to emphasise that Islam upheld harmony and doing good, even to people who are not of the same religion.

“This narrow mindset is not the way of Muslims in Johor,” he said.

Source : The Star

The Coverage/News/Sultan Johor : Chinese Are Not ‘Pendatang’ – Pays Tribute To Chinese Community Over Their Contribution

NEWS

Sultan Johor : Chinese Are Not ‘Pendatang’ – Pays Tribute To Chinese Community Over Their Contribution

31 January, 2024

Sultan Ibrahim pays tribute to Chinese community over their contribution to Johor’s development.

The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar said Johor appreciates the role played by the Chinese community in developing the state since the beginning of the Johor Sultanate in the 16th century.

 

The Royal Press Office, in a statement issued to mark the Lunar New Year, stated that Sultan Ibrahim regarded the hard work and resilience of the Chinese community in modernising Johor as significant and formidable, hence the need to recognise them for their outstanding contributions.

According to Sultan Ibrahim, the Chinese were actually invited to Johor as “guests” by his forefathers to help develop the state.

“My forefathers had the foresight to forge a unique relationship with the Chinese. They are not ‘pendatang’ (immigrants). They were invited to Johor to open our land and cultivate plantations.

 

“They are the ‘Bangsa Johor’ – just like the Malays, Indians and others, who are all Malaysians,” he stressed.

Tracing the history of their arrivals, Sultan Ibrahim said it was Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim who first invited the Chinese from China to come to Johor in 1844 to help open large-scale gambier and pepper farms.

Since then, it was the Chinese also who helped to put Johor on the world map, he said, adding that by 1850 the state was the largest producer of pepper and gambier, with active downstream activities like leather tanning and cloth dyeing from gambier.

“The Johor Sultanate and the Chinese have a special relationship. They have played a pivotal role in the development of Johor. We appreciate their contributions,” he emphasised.

Source : FMT

Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim sworn in as 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong

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Malaysia’s 17^th King and his deputy

Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim sworn in as 17^th Yang di-Pertuan Agong

(Perak’s Sultan Nazrin Shah sworn-in as deputy for a 3^rd term)

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 31, 2024: Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim was sworn in as Malaysia’s 17^th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) today.

His deputy is Perak’s Sultan Nazrin Shah who is into his third five-year term as the deputy king.

No News Is Bad News reproduces below news reports on the new era of Malaysia’s royalty:

Sultan Ibrahim's strong character moulded by military training

NATION

Wednesday, 31 Jan 2024

4:03 PM MYT

JOHOR BARU: The military training undertaken by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, 17th King of Malaysia, has helped mould his strong character, further enhancing his personality.

Johor Royal Court Council president Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Ramli said Sultan Ibrahim started his military training at the Malaysian Army Training School (Pulada) in Kota Tinggi, where he was made a platoon commander.

Sultan Ibrahim later participated in the Young Officers Course at Fort Benning, Georgia in the United States and also enrolled in airborne and ranger training for infantry officers.

"His Majesty then attended the American Special Forces Green Beret and Pathfinder Course, where he completed 19 parachute jumps, including eight executed at night, earning him prestigious wings and establishing his status as a commando,” he told Bernama in an exclusive interview at his office recently.

Abdul Rahim highlighted that Sultan Ibrahim is also a United States SEAL (sea, air and land) member and an honorary member of the Indonesian red beret KOPASSUS after making several successful parachute jumps in Bandung.

"His Majesty also obtained certification to pilot both fixed-wing aircraft like airplanes and jets, as well as rotary-wing aircraft such as helicopters after passing the examination. Subsequently, His Majesty was awarded another set of wings.

"Both sets of wings bestowed upon His Majesty are genuine, proving that Sultan Ibrahim actually underwent the training, and not an honorary distinction,” he said.

Abdul Rahim, 85, who has served under three Sultans of Johor since the reign of Sultan Ibrahim’s grandfather Almarhum Sultan Ismail, said the military training effectively forged the King’s character as a strict and courageous leader in decision-making.

"This military training, particularly parachute jumps, has helped His Majesty in carefully considering matters and making the right decisions in critical moments.

"Based on my observation, this characteristic of His Majesty is what makes him a bold and strict Ruler in making decisions,” he said.

Abdul Rahim said Sultan Ibrahim’s leadership qualities and courage were evident from a young age, such as when His Majesty took part in water sports at Pantai Lido in conjunction with the birthday celebration of the late Sultan Ismail.

He recalled that Sultan Ibrahim, who was around seven or eight years old at that time, was not hesitant and bravely took part in swimming, catching ducks, paddling boats and driving speedboat.

Meanwhile, as the Colonel Commandant of the Special Forces Group (GGK), Sultan Ibrahim consistently exhibits a genuine concern for the military.

His Majesty once urged all GGK members to maintain a good level of physical fitness and strength that are required for a commando and reminded all officers to refrain from politicking or lobbying for certain positions and ranks.

Sultan Ibrahim was sworn in on Wednesday as the new King of Malaysia in a ceremony steeped in tradition at Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur.

His Majesty replaces Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, whose five-year reign as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong ended on Tuesday (Jan 30).- Bernama

Sultan Ibrahim takes oath as 17th Agong

Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar assumed the throne after the tenure of Pahang ruler, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, came to an end yesterday.

FMT Reporters - 31 Jan 2024, 11:23am

Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar signed the instruments of proclamation of office as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the throne room of Istana Negara, Balairung Seri. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar took his oath of office today as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a five-year term.

The ceremony took place at the 264th special meeting of the Conference of Rulers in the throne room of Istana Negara, Balairung Seri.

Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak was sworn in as the deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong for the same period.

Sultan Ibrahim assumed the throne after the tenure of Pahang ruler, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, came to an end yesterday.

Sultan Ibrahim’s wife, Permaisuri Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris, also assumed the throne as the Raja Permaisuri Agong today.

They have six children: Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail, Tunku Idris Iskandar, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tunku Abu Bakar Iman, Tunku Tun Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, and the late Tunku Abdul Jalil, who passed away in 2015.

Sultan Ibrahim, born on Nov 22, 1958, at Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Bahru, ascended the throne of Johor on Jan 23, 2010 after the passing of Sultan Iskandar. He was officially crowned on March 23, 2015.

Istana Negara announces official titles of Malaysia’s new King, Queen

By IMRAN HILMY

NATION

Wednesday, 31 Jan 2024

11:22 AM MYT

PUTRAJAYA: Istana Negara has announced the official title for the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar and his consort Raja Zarith Sofiah Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah.

In a statement, the King's senior private secretary Datuk Nazim Mohd Alim said the official title for Sultan Ibrahim will be His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim King of Malaysia while his wife Raja Zarith Sofiah will be Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah Queen of Malaysia.

He said the official title had been updated as of Jan 31.

Earlier, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim arrived at the federal capital to take the oath of office as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara on Wednesday (Jan 31).

The private plane carrying His Majesty from the Senai International Airport landed at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Air Base in Subang, near here, at around 9.40am.

Malay Rulers arrive at Istana Negara for special meeting of Conference of Rulers

NATION

Wednesday, 31 Jan 2024

10:36 AM MYT

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim leaving the RMAF base in Subang on the way to Istana Negara. - Photo: Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Malay Rulers have arrived at Istana Negara here to attend the 264th Meeting of the Conference of Rulers (Special) in conjunction with the swearing-in ceremony of the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia on Wednesday (Jan 31).

Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu is expected to preside over the meeting which is scheduled to take place at the Throne Room at 11am.

Among those spotted arriving as at 9.45am were the Regent of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, Pahang Regent Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor and Yang di-Pertua Sabah Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.

Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the two Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

At the meeting, Sultan Ibrahim of Johor will be sworn in as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, while Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak will take the oath of office as Deputy King for the third time.

Sultan Ibrahim will replace Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Mustafa Billah Shah whose five-year reign as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong came to an end on Tuesday (Jan 30). - Bernama

Sultan Nazrin sets historic hat-trick as Deputy King

NATION

Wednesday, 31 Jan 2024

12:46 PM MYT

IPOH: Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, took the oath of office for the third time as the Deputy King of Malaysia, a role he has performed with distinction since 2016.

During the 263rd (Special) Meeting of the Conference of Rulers in October last year, the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, was elected as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, while Sultan Nazrin was re-elected as the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a five-year term starting Wednesday (Jan 31).

Sultan Ibrahim and Sultan Nazrin Shah took their oath and signed the instrument of office at Istana Negara on Wednesday, signalling their unwavering dedication to serving the nation.

Sultan Nazrin Shah has been fulfilling the responsibilities of Deputy King with utmost diligence, and his reappointment to this role is a testament to his outstanding performance.

His Royal Highness had served as the Deputy King when Sultan Muhammad V ascended the federal throne as the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 2016 and retained the role during Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Mustafa Billah Shah's reign as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong which began in 2019, further highlighting his invaluable contribution to the royal institution.

The Sultan was born Raja Nazrin Shah on Nov 27, 1956, in Georgetown, Penang and became the Crown Prince of Perak on April 15, 1987.

Upon the demise of his father, Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah, on May 28 2014, the Dewan Negara Perak (Council of State) proclaimed Raja Nazrin Shah as the 35th Sultan of Perak, styled as Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.

His enthronement, almost a year later, took place on 6 May 2015.

Besides his constitutional duties in Malaysia, Sultan Nazrin Shah has served as co-chair of the United Nations High-Level Panel on Humanitarian Financing 2015. He was Malaysia's Special Envoy for Interfaith and Inter-civilisational Dialogue at the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC).

At home, His Royal Highness is the Chancellor of the Universiti Malaya. He is also the Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment of Royal Engineers and the Royal Medical Corps in the Malaysian Armed Forces. Sultan Nazrin Shah is an Honorary Fellow of Worcester College, Oxford, and of Magdalene College and St. Edmund's College, both Cambridge.

He is a Trustee of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, University of Oxford; Royal Fellow of the Malaysian Institute of Defense and Security; Royal Fellow of the Malaysian Institute of Strategic and International Studies; Royal Fellow of the Institute of Public Security of Malaysia; Royal Patron of the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations of Malaysia and Royal Patron (formerly, Financial Ambassador) of the Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre.

His Royal Highness received his early education at Jalan Kuantan Primary School and, after that, at St. John's Institution, both in Kuala Lumpur.

He subsequently finished schooling at The Leys School, Cambridge, in the United Kingdom. He then read Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at the University of Oxford.

In addition to his BA degree from Oxford, the Sultan holds a PhD in Political Economy and Government from Harvard University.

Sultan Nazrin Shah is married to Tuanku Zara Salim. They have a son, Raja Azlan Muzzaffar Shah and a daughter Raja Nazira Safya. – Bernama