Sultan of Johor crowned

By Baron Henri Estramant.

Johor Darul Takzim: For the first time in 55 years the Malaysian federal state of Johor witnessed a coronation; its ruler, His Royal Highness Brigadier-General Paduka Sri Sultan Ibrahim Ismail, Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan of the State and Territory of Johor Darul Tazim, was pompously crowned on 23 March 2015.

For a photo-album of this memorable event, please click here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157649533354873/

The Sultan of Johor is the only Malaysian monarch crowned out of tradition whereas the other eight rulers are installed in investiture ceremonies much like the Dutch monarchs. Likewise in Johor simply a proclamation and an oath of sovereignty are required for the legal succession. However Sultan Abu Bakar (1862 – 1895) commissioned a crown for himself in 1886 to be used at the coronation of his successors; making Johor the first state to have a crown. Celebrations are stretching up to one month; including visits to all the ten districts in the state. 

Johor is a constitutional monarchy belonging to the Federation of Malaysia. The ruler is mostly ceremonial whilst political power rests on the Menteri Besar (Chief Minister),  Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, 15th as head of government of Johor. The state’s capital is Johor Bahru whereas the “royal city” is Muar. 

The Temenggong Dynasty rules over Johor since 1855 though the Sultanate dates back to 1528. The Tunku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Johor, Tunku Ismail Idris (b. 30 June 1984) is Sultan Ibrahim’s eldest son through his consort The Permaisuri Raja (Sultana) of Johor, Zarith Sofiah, who hails from the Sultanic House of Perak. 

Malaysia is a federation of thirteen states and three federal territories, out of them nine hold hereditary rulers, these are, Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Terengganu. Amongst them a “Yang di-Pertuan Agong” or “Paramount Ruler” is elected every five years to hold the headship of state. The incumbent is the 27th Sultan of Kedah, and 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, His Majesty Tuanku Abdul Halim. 

All Malay rulers and their spouses attended the coronation ceremony, likewise the neighbouring Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan Brunei Darussalam and his spouse The Raja Isteri who are good friends of Sultan Ibrahim of Johor. Also Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Dato Sri Haji Mohammad Najib.

Sultan Ibrahim is an avid automobile collector. Allegedly HRH The Prince of Wales gifted a BMW i8 with license plate number “GV64 FKW” to His Royal Highness The Sultan of Johor in honour of his coronation. 

For more information: 

Coronation ceremony: 

http://kemahkotaan.johor.gov.my/galllery/coronation-ceremony-gallery/?lang=en

State of Johor Tazim: 

http://www.johor.gov.my/kerajaan/page/dymm_sultan_johor/