MH370 ; Flag at half-pole for Johor and Perak

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj has announced all government and private agencies in the State to lowered the flag at half-pole. The announcement were made after the Sultan of Johor has acted to fluttered the flag at half mask as a respect for Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 Kuala Lumpur - Beijing. Also in tune with the State of Johor was the State of Perak when the Regent of Perak, His Royal Highness Raja Dr Nazrin Shah also announced the flag at half-pole as a respect and sympathy to the ill-fated MH370.

The actions were made after the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak in his Press Conference, stated that the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 has ended at the south part of the Indian Ocean. Even though the MH370 location has been confirmed ended in the Indian Ocean, the fate of MH370 and passengers on board is still unclear.

Former Sultanah's case II ; Rejection from the Sharia Court

On last 20 January 2014, Her Highness Tunku Puan Zanariah binti Tengku Ahmad, the former Sultanah of Johor has failed in her case to set aside a court order that her late husband, Almarhum Sultan Iskandar had divorced her on 23rd January 2009. Judge Muhammad Khaldun Mohd Sharif has stated that, the Johor Sharia Court has been a subject to related Fatwa regarding the matter. Her Highness's Lawyer, Afshah Arifin stated to the Court that the divorced statement of the late Sultan was invalid according to the Islamic Rules. The defendant will filed an appeal regarding the matter in the future.

Former Sultanah submits application to Syariah Court

Her Highness Tunku Puan Zanariah binti Almarhum Tunku Ahmad had filed an application to Syariah Court to set aside an earlier court order that her late husband, Almarhum Sultan Iskandar al-Haj of Johor had divorced her on 23rd January 2009. Her Highness also wants the ruju' pronounced a week later after the purported divorce be declared invalid. In her affidavit in support of the application, she alleged that the state administration, especially the religious authorities were used in an attempt to defame her and Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.

Tunku Puan Zanariah said that the late ruler did not make any application to verify the alleged divorce, adding that she and the late Sultan Iskandar were both living together as lawful husband and wife in peace and harmony until the late Sultan demise on 22nd January 2010. Almarhum Sultan Iskandar was named as plaintiff in that case while Tunku Puan Zanariah was the defendant, meaning that the late ruler was initiating legal action against his wife.

However, Tunku Puan Zanariah said that she was not informed nor served with any papers of the court proceedings and only learned about it on September 30, 2013 through a letter sent by the Mufti of Johor, Datuk Mohd Tahrir Syamsuddin. Also, the Tunku Puan also stated that she was not informed when the then Menteri Besar of Johor, Datuk Abd Ghani Othman had on December 9, 2010 written a letter to her stripping her of the title Her Royal Highness Sultanah.

Her Highness Tunku Puan Zanariah was not present, but her lawyers, Afshah Arifin and Kamar Ainiah Kamaruzaman were in the court to file the documents. Outside the court, Tunku Puan Zanariah's youngest daughter, Tunku Masera stated that, she is disappointed over the way her mother had been treated. The case will be mentioned on January 20, 2014.

Royal News Round Up August 2013 I ; Johor Royal Entourage 2013

The annual event of Kembara Mahkota Johor (Johor Royal Entourage) has make it into its 2013 edition. This year entourage was the 8th edition since its inception by His Royal Highness Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar in 2001, who at that time was the Tunku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Johor. In 2013 edition, the Royal Entourage travelling thorough out the 10 districts in the State of Johor covering a distance of 1,100km. The entourage started on 24th August 2013 and ended on 27th August 2013.

The event started in the port city of Pasir Gudang where the launching ceremony were held. In the morning, the entourage were released in the vicinity of Menara Aqabah which is also the tallest building in Pasir Gudang. In this year edition, the Sultan traveled using his famous tiger-stripes high powered motorcycle.

The Royal Entourage also incomplete without the participation of the princes and princess of His Royal Highness Sultan Ibrahim and also his consort, Her Royal Highness Raja Zarith Sofia. It is also safe to say, among all Malay royal families in the region, the Johor Royal Family is the most photograph and well-known. Here are some footages of the Kembara Mahkota Johor. 

Picture from Kesultanan Johor facebook profile.

Sultan of Johor hosted Eid-Fitri Feast

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibnni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar hosted the Eid-Fitri Feast at Istana Pasir Pelangi in Johor Bahru, Johor. The feast was held on the second day of Eid-Fitri from 9 am to 4 pm. The Sultan and members of Johor Royal Family arrived at the feast around 10 am. Accompanied the Sultan were his consort, Her Royal Highness Tuanku Raja Zarith Sofia ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah, the Tunku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Johor, Tunku Ismail Idris Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, and the rest of royal family. 

It is estimated around 40,000 people attended the feast. Among others were several Deputy Ministers, members of State Executive Councillors, Head of Departments and Foreign Diplomats. Several Ministers of Singaporean Government also attended the feast. Among those who attended were Minister Chan Chun Sing and Minister Lui Tuck Yew. It is a break of tradition because in the past, the Prime Minister of Singapore himself will attended the feast, represented a strong bond between the two governments. Even though it is understandable as the feast was hosted on August 9, the same day as Singapore's Independence Day.

In the feast, peoples from various background taking the chance to shakes hand and taking pictures with the Sultan and the Royal Family.

The Royal Family of Johor in 2013

Royal News Round-Up June 2013 II ; Johorean Royalties Royal Debut

After we cover the engagement of Tengku Amalin Aishah Putri of Kelantan, we will travel back to the Land of Greatness located in the southern most tip of Peninsular Malaysia, the State of Johor Darul Takzim. Its a rare sight to see the Johorean Royalties at work, but in this several week of June, we can witness several Johorean Royalties taken up their duty as royalty. First of all, the only daughter of the Sultan of Johor, Her Highness the Tunku Tun Aminah ibni Sultan Ibrahim of Johor has consent to officiates the inauguration ceremony of Tunku Tun Aminah Library located in the Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). The library is the largest library in South East Asia. 

His Royal Highness the Tunku Laksamana of Johor, Tunku Abdul Jalil Iskandar ibni Sultan Ibrahim also has started his own way to deepen his relation with the people of Johor. The Prince who has his own followers in the social website Facebook has organize a function to meet his followers located in Stulang Walk. The function were organize on last 3rd June 2013.

pictures from Kesultanan Johor facebook account

Menteri Besar of Johor inauguration ceremony

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar consented to appoint Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin as the new Menteri Besar of Johor. The inauguration ceremony takes place at Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim yesterday morning. Also present in the ceremony was the Tunku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Johor, Tunku Ismail Idris bin Sultan Ibrahim; the Tunku Bendahara of Johor, Tunku Abdul Majid Idris ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar and the Tunku Temenggong of Johor, Tunku Idris Iskandar ibni Sultan Ibrahim. Barisan Nasional won 38 out of 56 contested seats. Thus gives a serious blow to BN as the State previously a core supporter of BN.

Royal Round-up ; In the middle of April 2013 (I)

Finally, I get to update the blog once more. It is already in the middle of April. There are many news regarding the royal for this month, so probably it will takes me quite a while for me to covered the royal news. First, we will start with the most important news from the Land of Greatness, or officially known as Johor Darul Takzim. His Royal Highness the Tunku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Johor previously has announced his resignation as the President of Johor State Football Association and will only acted as Patron. Nevertheless, many are against his action. And among them include His Royal Highness the Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang. 

In his official statement in Istana Abu Bakar, the Sultan Ahmad Shah are against the action of the Johor's Crown Prince. The Crown Prince and his father the Sultan of Johor even met an audience with the Sultan of Pahang regarding the issue and spent around an hour discussing it. And after the meeting, the Crown Prince has reconsider to take back his decision and stayed as the President of Johor State Football Association.

In the internet and social websites, the decision of the Crown Prince to stay as President received many approval from the people. Especially after the people has witnessed the fruition of the royal effort to develop the Football Club of Johor and improved it to return the team back to its former glory. Supporters of the Johor Football Team, the Johor Darul Takzim also had once again flocking at the team's home stadium, the Larkin Stadium. Just like in the past, the visitors had once against revive the once lost fearsome 'War cry of Larkin'. Royal is as Royal do. Kudos to the Crown Prince. 

picture from

Royal and Rulers Round-up ; The first week of April

The month of April had just beginning and I can't get myself to update the blog as frequent as before. Thus, rather than update it daily, I will try to update it when I can get myself to online to the internet. The internet coverage in Sarawak rural area is not as good as in the urban area. So, lets us see what is our beloved rulers do in the first week of April. In North Malaya, the Penangites witnessed their Yang Dipertua Negeri (Head of State) sworn-in for another 2-year term. His Excellency Tun Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Abas were reappointed as the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Pulau Pinang effectively on 1st May 2013 until 1st May 2015. Accompanied the Head of State is his wife (or should I say the First Lady of Pulau Pinang?), The Honourable Toh Puan Hajah Majimor binti Sharif. Also present in the ceremony is the Chief Minister of Pulau Pinang, Lim Guan Eng and wife, Betty Chew.

In the Federal Capital, the long awaited news finally arrived when the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak had meet an audience with His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah to advise the Supreme Ruler for the dissolution of the 12th Parliament of Malaysia. The mandate of the current government will ended on 28th April 2013. The Prime Minister had done his best waiting until his 4th anniversary as the Prime Minister of Malaysia on 3rd April 2013 to advise the Supreme Ruler to dissolve the Parliament. He also advised to the States Government of Malaysia to seek an audience with their respective Head of States to dissolved their respective State Assembly. Up until the date of dissolution of Parliament, the Negeri Sembilan had automatically dissolved when the mandate had ended on 28th March 2013. The State of Sarawak will not joins the General Election as their already have their State Election in 2011.  

In the Southern Malaya, another news brought up when the Tunku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Johor, Tunku Ismail Idris ibni Sultan Ibrahim resigned his position as the President of Johor State Football Association. His action in his official statement received a royal consent from his father, His Royal Highness Sultan Ibrahim of Johor. The Crown Prince also stated that in his capacity as the Crown Prince, it is really hard for him to manage the State Football Association which are bind with FAM rules and law. Thus, he will be acted as a Patron to the Association fitted his position as the Crown Prince. Previously, the Crown Prince had been penalized as been suspended as President for 6 months following his statement criticized the FAM.

picture from Bernama and Maharum Bugis Syah

WWW 1 to the Sultan of Johor

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar gets the new plate number registration of WWW 1 after won his bidding at RM520,000. The Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ), Road Transport Department yesterday released the list of the winning bids and bidders of the WWW series auction held between April 30 and May 14, 2012. Another royal who also in the list is His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (the Supreme Ruler) of Malaysia, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah who won the number WWW 5. The fame of the prefix stems from the world of technology, as WWW stands for World Wide Web. It is to date the most expensive number which breaks the previous record of MCA 1 in 2010 worth of RM300,100.


Its caused a mild uproar in the world of social websites, namely the facebook as the public who were in favour and against with the Sultan actions of bidding the number clashed with one another. Including who commenting not in a favour with the recent development is the former Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Perak who in his twitter commenting that the RM500,000 can be used for better purposes for the rakyat, like building 20 houses for the poor.


Meanwhile, the Tunku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Johor also commenting about it, stating that the Johor Royal Family even though received the allowances from the State Government, all the money were transferred to the Foundation of Sultan Iskandar and Foundation of Sultan Ibrahim. The Crown Prince also comment that, he personally since the time he was the Raja Muda of Johor, never took a single cents from the Government until this very day.

Kembara Mahkota Johor 2012 officially ended

The Kembara Mahkota Johor 2012 officially ended yesterday in the closing ceremony held at Plaza Angsana, Johor Bahru. This year Royal Entourage succeed in traveling all across Johor's 10 districts which cover the distance of 1,012km. The royal entourage were lead by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar since last Sunday riding the Harley Davidson Street Glide motorcycle. The Sultan arrival at Plaza Angsana around 2 pm were warmly greeted by the multi-racial crowd who waited to see their beloved Sultan.

The Sultan were accompanied by His Royal Highness the Tunku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Johor, Tunku Ismail Idris ibni Sultan Ibrahim, His Highness the Tunku Temenggong, Tunku Idris Iskandar ibni Sultan Ibrahim alongside the Johor's Princes. Also following the entourage to several of their destinations were the Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Johor, Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman; Secretary of State, Datuk Obet Tawil; State Executives Councillors and the State's Heads of Department.


picture from Bernama

Malaysian royalties at St. James's Palace

The St. James's Palace witnessed the attendance of several Malaysian royalties during the reception reception hosted by Prince Charles in conjunction with the granting of the Royal Charter Award to the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) at St.James's Palace. The OCIS is a Recognised Independent Centre of the University of Oxford. Founded in 1985, it encourages through research, teaching and publication a better understanding of the culture and civilisation of Islam and contemporary Muslim societies. Fellows of the Centre teach in a number of faculties across the University. Its Visiting Fellowship and Scholarship programmes have brought scholars to Oxford from almost 50 countries.

Royal Charters are granted by the Sovereign on the advice of the Privy Council. The practice dates back to the 13th century. The Conferment of the Royal Charter to the OCIS is significant as it marks the first time an Islamic institution in the United Kingdom (UK) is conferred with such a prestigious status since such Charters were granted by successive Sovereigns from 1231. They are now normally granted only to bodies that work in the public interest and which can demonstrate pre-eminence, stability, permanence and a strong record of achievement in their particular field. The University of Oxford, and many of the Oxford Colleges, are similarly incorporated.


Among the Malaysian Royal guests were Their Royal Highnesses the Raja Muda (Crown Prince) and Raja Puan Besar (Crown Princess) of Perak, Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah ibni Sultan Azlan Shah and Tuanku Zara Salim Davidson. The Crown Prince is the trustee of OCIS. Also present were the consort to the Sultan of Johor, Her Royal Highness the Raja Zarith Sofia ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah II.

Also attended the ceremony were Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid also as trustee and Datuk Dr Afifi Alkiti who is a fellow at the centre. Also received the invitation from His Royal Highness the Prince Charles, Prince of Wales were the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak.


The prime minister is a member of the high council while Prince Charles is the patron.

picture from Bernama

KMJ 2012 ; The visit in Chaah

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar visited the Padang Awam Division 2 at Chaah yesterday as one of the place to be visited in the Kembara Mahkota Johor 2012. The Royal Entourage consist of 30 high-power motorcycle entered its second day were greeted by the Indian horn as soon as their arrival in the field. His Royal Highness later visited the Ponggul Exhibition and the demonstration of Indian cooking like tosei, capati, wadey and maruku. The Sultan later showed his talent in making capati.

The Sultan later also attended the wedding of S.Sathiya, 30 and his wife, M.Sharmila, 19, much to the couple surprised. The presence of the Royal Entourage in the wedding is an unforgettable memories. The Sultan also wished happiness to Sathiya and asked him to have many children.

The Royal Entourage earlier departed from Mersing in the morning before headed to Kluang, Batu Pahat and ended at Segamat cover a distance of 286 km. His Royal Highness the Tunku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Johor also participate in the convoy.

picture from Bernama

Sultan of Johor launched Pengerang Rapid Project

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar launched the a refinery and petrochemical integrated development (RAPID) project in Pengerang, Johor. RAPID, which involves an investment of RM60 billion, will have the capacity to refine 300,000 barrels of imported crude oil and would offer 4,000 permanent jobs. Sultan Ibrahim said the selection of Pengerang as an oil and gas industry hub was a blessing for Johor because the state and its people would stand to benefit from the large investments pouring in. The RAPID development would also open up jobs and businesses which would help raise the living standard of the people.

In the ceremony, the Sultan also expressed his sadness that a small group of people was opposed to the Petronas project and was trying to instigate others to stage protests and make unreasonable demands. The sultan said he had been informed that due compensation would be paid for the property acquired for the development of the project, and advised the people not to make unreasonable demands. Sultan Ibrahim said the government and related parties should exercise fairness in resolving the problems associated with the people, adding that he would make regular trips to Pengerang to ensure that the project progressed as planned.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and Petronas president and CEO Datuk Shamsul Azhar Abbas were also present at the event.

picture from Bernama

Kembara Mahkota Johor 2012 started

The Kembara Mahkota Johor (KMJ) 2012, Johor Royal Entourage 2012 starts officially yesterday leads by His Royal Highness the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar taking the high-power motorcycle as the theme for this year entourage. The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abd Razak was given the honour to flag off the KMJ 2012 watched by thousands of people of all races. The four-day programme will see a motorcycle convoy led by the sultan and the Tunku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Johor, Tunku Ismail Idris, crisscross the state covering a total distance of 1,012 kilometres. The programme enables the sultan to meet the people along the route and extend charity to the poor.

Also present at the flag-off were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, state executive councillors, senior government officers and Johor Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders. Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi are taking part in the programme.

picture from Bernama

Souvenir of Kembara Mahkota Johor 2012

The crowds along the Kembara Mahkota Johor (KMJ) 2012 convoy routes will stand a chance to receive a special souvenir an hour before the arrival of Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. KMJ 2012 secretariat in a statement here said the souvenirs would be distributed by a cavalcade of riders, comprising police, Road Transport Department and SAJ Holdings personnel. A total of 2,000 souvenirs would be distributed at 168 selected locations along the KMJ 2012 routes.

"So, we would like to call on the public to come out and welcome the arrival of Sultan Ibrahim's convoy," the secretariat said.

The four-day convoy is scheduled to begin Sunday and will pass through 10 districts and involve a journey of over 1,100km.

The route of Kembara Mahkota Johor 2012 is as follows :-

First Day :- Kota Tinggi, Mersing
Second Day :- Mersing, Kluang, Batu Pahat, Segamat
Third Day :- Segamat, Muar, Batu Pahat
Fourth Day :- Batu Pahat, Pontian, Johor Bahru

The wedding of Menteri Besar's son

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar attended the wedding ceremony of Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman's son here Saturday night. Also present were Tunku Mahkota of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim. The wedding ceremony of Mohammad Jamil Hilmi, 30, and Daryl Maira Orillaza Abdullah, 30, who met at University of Melbourne, Australia, was held at the Menteri Besar's official residence. Mohamad Jamil Hilmi is the youngest son of Abdul Ghani and Prof Datin Paduka Jamillah Ariffin.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, also attended the ceremony.

picture from Bernama

Rawa Island Incident - The Sultan are upset

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar are upset and has expressed his displeasure despite having forgiven the four foreigners who were involved in a brawl with bodyguards of the Johor royal entourage at a resort on Pulau Rawa, last Friday night. He said this when commenting on a press report today on the fracas at Pulau Rawa last week involving four foreign tourists and bodyguards of the Johor royal entourage.

"I'm angry, the incident should not have happened. They were intoxicated and had disturbed the other visitors on the island," the Sultan told reporters at Istana Pasir Pelangi, here Thursday.

The Sultan of Johor was made to understand that the four foreign tourists who were working in Singapore had arrived at a resort on the island at about 11pm before getting drunk and disturbing the royal guests who were having a function and staying at the resort next door. Some of the tourists had behaved rudely and uttered vulgar words at the royal family and guests which subsequently led to a brawl.

The Johor Police have set up a special team to investigate the fracas at a resort on Pulau Rawa, near Mersing last Saturday. Johor Chief Police Officer, Datuk Mokhtar Mohd Sharif said police had opened up an investigation paper and the investigation would be carried out under Section 452 of the Penal Code (House-trespass after preparation made for causing hurt to any person). He said that until today, police had received nine police reports on the incident made by Malaysian witnesses who were on the island at the time of the incident. However, the police had not received other police reports including from the victims or others related to the incident so far.

The Rawa Island located 16km off Mersing and are among the State's finest Island.

Pre-launching of Kembara Mahkota Johor 2012

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar graced the pre-launching ceremony of Kembara Mahkota Johor 2012 at Persada International Convention Center, Johor Bahru, yesterday. His Royal Highness will lead the Royal Entourage consist of State Officials and Head of Department using a high-powered motorcycle traveled across the State of Johor from May 13 until May 16, 2012. According to the Secretary of State, Datuk Obet Tawil, the entourage will travel a distance of 1,012 km will be release by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at TJ Mart, Kulaijaya.

Also will joining the royal entourage is Her Royal Highness Raja Zarith Sofia, the consort of the Sultan of Johor; His Royal Highness the Tunku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Johor, Tunku Ismail Idris ibni Sultan Ibrahim and Their Highness-es the Princes and Princess of the Sultan of Johor. The entourage will visit all 10 districts in the State and will ended at Plaza Angsana, Johor Bahru.

picture from Bernama

Mersing Festival and Mersing Laguna

His Royal Highness the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar consent to officiate the ground-breaking ceremony of Mersing Laguna and Mersing Festival at the Dataran Pulau, Jalan Tun Dr. Ismail, Mersing. The project of Mersing Laguna with an estimated cost of 22 billion is hoped to change Mersing into a world famous tourist destination, as so as the Sultan's hope it will be. The Mersing District was founded since 1892, having precious natural resources and beautiful islands is still had yet to experience rapid development as compared to other towns in Johor.

Also present in the ceremony were Menteri Besar (Chief Minister) of Johor, Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and Deputy Defense Minister, Dr. Abdul Latiff Ahmad who is also the MP of Mersing.