Jan 24, 2010 – The Straits Times

New Sultan ‘friendly, caring’

By Hazlin Hassan, Malaysia Correspondent

THE new Sultan of Johor is known for being friendly and down-to-earth, as much as he is known for possessing a colourful character.

Fondly known as ‘Ku Yem’ – a contraction of ‘Tunku Ibrahim’ – among his subjects, Tunku Ibrahim Ismail was proclaimed the Sultan of Johor following his father’s death.

His willingness to go down to the ground to visit ordinary Johoreans, joining them in meals, games and prayers, has earned him the reputation of being a caring prince.

The 51-year-old once joined villagers in Muar in eating boiled tapioca, and personally praised a grandmother for her excellent sambal, or spicy sauce.

His love of super bikes is also legendary. In 2001, he founded the annual royal motorcycle tour, which sees an entourage of 30 high-powered motorcycles, four-wheel drives and cars accompanying him on yearly visits to remote villages in Johor to present aid to the needy.

Born on Nov 22, 1958, at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru, Tunku Ibrahim Ismail is the eldest of 10 siblings. He had his early education in Johor before studying in Australia from 1968 to 1970.

No tags