JOHOR BARU: Tunku Ibrahim Ismail has been proclaimed the new Sultan of Johor following the death of his father the late Sultan Iskandar Ismail.
The proclamation, made in accordance with the Johor State Constitution, was officially made by Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman at Istana Besar Johor Baru at 10.21am.
“In keeping with the Johor State Constitution 1895, the Sultan’s heir, Tunku Ibrahim Ismail ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, is hereby proclaimed the King and Sultan under the same law,” said Abdul Ghani.
Soon after the proclamation, Tunku Ibrahim Ismail, 51, took his oath as the Sultan of Johor and pledged to rule with fairness, justice and compassion.
Clad in a white baju melayu teluk belanga, the new Ruler also pledged to respect and protect Islam and Malay customs and to be steadfast in upholding the state constitution as well as the laws of the state of Johor.
Also present during the ceremony was Sultanah Zanariah, Tunku Ibrahim’s consort Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah, Raja Muda Tunku Ismail Ibrahim, Tengku Bendahara Tunku Majid Idris as well as other royal family members.
Johor Islamic Religious Council adviser Datuk Nooh Gadot ended the ceremony with the recital of prayers.
Later at 1.36pm, Abdul Ghani made the official announcement on the proclamation at the steps of the palace.
“To all the people of Johor, from the Malays to other races, know that Sultan Ibrahim Ismail is now the new Sultan of Johor.
“He is the Ruler for the state, its territories and all the districts as of Jan 23,” he said.
Three chants of Daulat Tuanku (Long-live the Ruler) followed his announcement along with a gun salute as well as the Johor state anthem.
Tunku Ibrahim was appointed the Regent on Friday after the late Sultan Iskandar was admitted to the Puteri Specialist Hospital on Thursday.
Sultan Iskandar died at 7.15pm on Friday.
