Burj Dubai

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Architecture segment today is about the current highest human structure ever built. Eventhough still incomplete, it's high has already overcome any human structure anywhere in the world. The Burj Dubai. Burj Dubai mean Dubai Tower. The tower's architect is Adrian Smith.

The total budget for Burj Dubai is about US$ 4.1 billion and takes about 5 years to complete. The building is expected to be completed by September 2009.

CHARACTERISTICS

When its finished, the high will be 818 m (2,684 ft). It is also the building with the most floors (160). Currently, eventhough classify as the highest structures in the world, all the records are still unofficials. The Council on Tall Building and Human Habitat currently not classify it as a building as it is still incomplete. Thus, until that happens, the record of highest building still hold by Taipei 101.

PURPOSE

Burj Dubai has been designed to be the centerpiece of a large-scale, mixed-use development that will include 30,000 homes, nine hotels such as the Burj Dubai Lake Hotel & Serviced Apartments, 3 hectares (7.4 acres) of parkland, at least 19 residential towers, the Dubai Mall, and the 12-hectare (30-acre) man-made Burj Dubai Lake.

The silvery glass-sheathed concrete building will return the title of Earth's tallest free-standing structure to the Middle East—a title not held by the region since 1311 CE when Lincoln Cathedral in England surpassed the height of the Great Pyramid of Giza, which had held the title for almost four millennia.

COMMENT

Maybe its confusing to imagine how high is the 818m building is. Well, just look at the Petronas Twin Tower, and imagine another twin tower is put on top of it.. that is the high of Burj Dubai. Pretty tall right?

Will be this record be broken? I still can't imagine there is other building can surpass that...

Gundam Seed

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Today's animation section is about Gundam Seed. The genre is about Drama, Mecha, Military and Romance. The full name is Mobile Suit Gundam Seed. This anime televisyen series is animated by Sunrise and directed by Mitsuo Fukuda. The series contain fifty episodes and won the Animage Anime Grand Prize in 2002. It adapted into manga published by Kondansha in 2003.


The stories continue in Gundam Seed Destiny.



PLOT


The story takes place in alternate world of Cosmic Era. The series begins with the Bloody Valentine War between Earth Alliance and space colony of ZAFT (Zodiac Alliance of Freedom Treaty). Mankind is divided over human genetic engineering, with normal humans known as "Naturals" and the genetically altered humans known as "Coordinators".


Like the original series, while ZAFT has a head start on mobile suit design, the Earth Alliance quickly catches up with its five prototype Gundams. With ZAFT having stolen four of the prototypes, young Coordinator Kira Yamato pilots the GAT-X105 Strike Gundam and is forced to fight his old friend Athrun Zala. Little do they know that there exist sinister forces working to bring about events that go far beyond their worst nightmares.



CHARACTERS

From left: Cagalli, Athrun, Kira, Lacus

Kira Yamato - The main protagonist of the series. He and his family lives in Heliopolis, space colony of neutral country name Orb Union. He later became a gundam pilot in order to save his friends from ZAFT attack on Heliopolis. Thus, from that point onward, he had to fight his childhood friend, Athrun Zala.


Athrun Zala - He is one of Gundam Pilot from ZAFT. His father Patrick Zala is the Supreme Chairman of ZAFT. He was a childhood friend with Kira Yamato. He later had to choose either to side with his friend or his father.

Lacus Clyne - She is a popular singer of ZAFT. Her father, Siegel Clyne is the former Supreme Chairman of ZAFT. With political motives, she is engaged with Athrun Zala. During the war, she form her own fanction of Clyne Fanctions and Commander of Space Warship Eternal.


Cagalli Yula Attha - She is the only daughter of Uzumi Nara Attha, President of Orb Union. Orb was a neutral country did not side with Earth Alliance or ZAFT in the war. Thus, results with the attack of Earth Alliance on ORB. She later became the next Head of Orb Military and a pilot to her own Gundam.



COMMENT

The story reveal some of the art of Military, war, politics and most obvious.. friendship. Each of the protagonist fight themselves in the war and finding a way to end the war once and for all. Kira Yamato and Athrun Zala were a childhood friend, but had to fight each other due to the war. The war using high-tech technologies like GUNDAM, Space Warship, Space Launchers, and etc..

It is really a good series for those who likes mecha-based series with high-tech technologies, politics and romance.

6th Prime Minister of Malaysia

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Today, after 5 years of waiting, Datuk seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak finally sworn in as the 6th Prime Minister of Malaysia. Datuk Seri Najib, who has almost 30 years of experience in politics were the first son of Malaysia 2nd Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak. This is the first time in Malaysia history that a son of a Prime Minister also chosen to become a Prime Minister.

(picture from Utusan)

Datuk Seri Najib, sworn in as a Prime Minister in front off the Yang diPertuan Agong, HRH Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin at Istana Negara at 10.00am this morning. The sworn in ceremony is showed lived through RTM and another channel.
Before this, he is also the youngest Chief Minister of Pahang and among the youngest minister in Malaysia history.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak just like his father, take the office of Prime Minister during the time of reduce of support to the ruling party, the National Front. Both times see the National Front (Alliances at that times) has been denied 2/3 majority in the Parliament. Many believes that Najib can bring again support for the National Front just like his father.

(picture from New Straits Times)

While the former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has been given the Tunship and thus be known as Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

PR REACTION

There are many perspectives of the new Prime Minister. Among others, Datuk Mahfuz Omar (PAS) has said;

"The new Prime Minister will only brings 'trouble' to the country. As many negatives impact has been given to him".

"Especially the celebrations of Najib becomes the new Prime Minister by the people unlike the times of his predecessor like Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Abdul Razak, Tun Hussein Onn and Tun Abdullah."

COMMENT

Well, what ever the reasons, each and everyone of us has differs point of view for certain matter. It is natural. But for me, I have done many research, the conclusions that I get is critics about Datuk Seri Najib has been point out since his carrier as a politicians begins. For example:

"The support for najib were only because of a support for his father"

So, this is just my point of view, whatever happens, he is the Prime Minister now. Any cases involve with him, I will only said like Tun Dr Mahathir will said, "Give me proof".

For Prime Minister Najib, good luck with your work..... =)

1 April

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3 months has passed and today, the first day of April. Don't know what to say, but this is my last month as a student. My 4 years of hardwork will finally be over. Well, not all over.. After this, I still has 3 months practical. I have applied about 15 places an up until now only get 1 reply. Still got one week left before the confirmation letter dateline.

That's all about my life in last month. Now, proceed with the blog announcement.

I have collected the materials I need for this month topic and issue, so.. stay tune guys. Due to some technical problems, the shoutbox still cannot be implemented this month, maybe its going to take a while.

And if there is anything, just leave the comment here or sent me an email at radin_com@yahoo.com

Bukit Selambau, Bukit Gantang and Batang Ai By-Elections

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The nomination process for 3 by-elections has been done yesterday, 29 March 2009. 1 parlimentary seat and 2 state assembly seats is contested, DUN Bukit Selambau, DUN Batang Ai and P Bukit Gantang. The elections will start at 7 April 2009

P Bukit Gantang

The previous holder of this seat is Roslan Shaharom (PAS). The seat is vacant after the holder die.

It is a 3 corner fight between Ismail Safian (BN), Datuk Seri Ir. Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin (PAS) and Kamarul Ramizu Idris (Independent).

DUN Batang Ai

The previous holder of this seat is Datuk Dublin Unting Inkot (BN). The seat is also vacant after the holder die.

It is a 2-corner fight between Malcolm Mussen Lamoh (BN) and Jawah Gerang (PKR)

DUN Bukit Selambau

The previous holder is V Arumugam (PKR). The seat is vacant after the holder resign from the post.

BN Candidate (wearing blue Baju Melayu)

PKR Candidate (wearing white formal suit with necktie)

Unlike the other 2 elections above, it is the most fierce contested seat. The 15-corner fight!
After the nominations, the contested candidate are Datuk S. Ganeson (BN), S. Manikumar (PKR) and another 13 Independent candidate.
Hussein Yaacob, T. Chandraajan, Mejar (Rtd) Anuar Abdul Hamid, Vincent Michael, Abdul Rahim Abu, S. Moganakumar, Mohd Fadzil Abdul Wahab, Radzi Md Lazim, Loganathan Ramanathan, Saralaloganathan, Tan Hock Huat, A. Jayagopal and Khamis Awang.

TRIVIA

Bukit Gantang located at Perak. Thus, the fight between BN and PAS possibly a fierced one. PR formed a government in Perak after the general elections, but BN once again govern the state after the PR government fall after 11 months.

Batang Ai located at Sarawak, thus the match here possibly the most contented in all 3. BN should have no problem here... (just my opinion..)

Bukit Selambau on the other hands... traditionally, BN reserved this seat to MIC. But the situation here is really akward. Malaysian records of 15-corner fight. May the best men wins..

CONCLUSION

Therefor, if I'm not mistaken.. about 20 candidate will participate in the elections. Muhyiddin Yassin has remembered all the voters that this elections were only a mere elections and not a poll to a specific political party.

All government are formed to served to the people. Thus, please make a wise choice and choose a candidate that actually can served to you...

Who will win? Lets wait and see... =)

Earth Hour 2009

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Last night, a special events of Earth Hour 2009 starts. About an hour from 8.30pm - 9.30pm, most Malaysians has shut off their lights and guest what? An amazing one hour darkness in the heart of Kuala Lumpur!

KL during Earth Hour (picture from New Straits Times)

Well, the Earth Hour 2009 campaign is all about a 'symbolic gesture to combat global warming'. What I can say is the campaign has get an amazing overwhelming support.

Some information about the events, it is a global events that organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and it is an annual events. About 88 countries participated this year. Like Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand... Malaysia 8TV among the participation TV Station and has halted its program for 1 hour.

How much energy can we saved?? In Sydney, the energy consumption is reduced about 8% during the Earth Hour... probably equivalent to the energy of 48,613 cars!

COMMENTS

Actually I was almost forgot about the events last night. I was just riding alone, minding my own business, when the light around the campus are off. I thought it just a mere blackout. But, the electric supply were fine. When I ask to my friend.. he said.. "1 Hour light off"..

Earth Hour obviously... =)

Sydney's Opera House during Earth Hour

Blog Tok Guru

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Thanks for viewing my blog.

Tuan Guru Nik Abdul Aziz has launched his own blog, "Blog Tok Guru". It is launched on Thursday together with Aptus Net, a WiFi broadband Internet provider.

His blog also available in Jawi and the English version will be published later. For the first two months, the blog will only contain a basics and it will have a panel specially to answer issues later on.

By any chance, welcome to the world of blogging Tok Guru.. =)
http://blogtokguru.com

Tiger Orchid

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A brand new topic has been introduced today! Flora and Fauna. It is a topic about all the magnificent creation that roaming the earth other that humans. Supposedly this topic will focused on special species, endangered and commercialised flora and fauna.

Yes, it is an orchid. Or commonly known as The Tiger Orchid. Its scientific names is Rossioglossum grande (previously known as Odontoglossum grande). It is native in Mexico and Honduras. As "Tiger Orchid" is a common names, probably it shares the name with other orchids.

The plant may grow four to eight flowers, each may reach up to 13 inches in diameter. The flowers are a glossy bright golden yellow with brown barring. Larger pedals are yellow with the lower half red-brown. The lip is white and sometimes flecked with red-brown. It prefers hot, wet summers and cool, dry winters.

It mainly flowers in the winter.

GALERIA

Some of the pictures of the orchids.

Atelier Iris : Eternal Mana

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For todays game sections, I will presents about Atelier Iris: Eternal Mana that created for PS2 platform. It is developed by Japanese developer Gust. The game is released in Japan in 2004 and has been released in US in America in 2005. The English translation of the series is done by NIS America.

Now, we will see about its plot, characters and gameplay.

PLOT

Eternal Mana is set in the world of Regallzine, long the home of alchemy and mana. Wars and internal disputes have separated the kingdom of Esviore and now, the area of South Esviore where the game takes place is no longer under the control of King Slaith. Instead, each separate city-state of South Esviore runs their own affairs, trading with one another but remaining mostly separate.

The situation with Regallzine is also tied with the fate of Avenberry, a legendary city of alchemists that existed many hundreds of years before the game's beginning. No one knows exactly what happened, but it is said that Avenberry fell because of the misuse of the alchemy that ran their lives. Many alchemists and treasure hunters have come to Avenberry to try and unlock its secrets since that time, and the city of Kavoc was built for that purpose. However, none have been able to get past the gate that guards the citadel, and Avenberry's secrets have so far been preserved.

Alchemists today are few and far between, most basing their research on the studies of Iris, an alchemist who lived before the fall of Avenberry. They travel the world in search of new alchemaic artifacts for synthesis, ruins of the past, and Mana. The mana are a race of beings that allow alchemists to use their power. They augment the power of the elements which Alchemists extract from objects in the world and use them to create new and powerful magical items. Mana have feelings, emotions, and personalities just as people do, and many become good friends with their alchemist, although some people do forget about this fact.

The protagonist of the game, Klein Kiesling, is one of these wandering alchemists. His adventure begins when he stumbles across a monster in a forest, is rescued by a girl, and gets wound up in her fate and eventually, the fate of the world.

CHARACTERS

There are about 6 playable characters. Each one has its own skills and advantages. Player are free to use and switch it during battle.

Klein Kiesling
Protagonist of the series. He is an alchemist and can synthesis alchemic items for battle and gameplay. His weapon is Cane.

Lita Blanchimont
Spunky girl who work as a Galgazit in a city of Kavoc. Lita is among the most powerful character. Her attack are strong, fast and can hit multiple enemies. Her weapon is Metal Claw.

Delsus
An archer who resides in Kavoc. Among his traits are alcohol-loving, anti-sweet and woman-chaser. Among the most useful character, he can counter attack and has first shot abilities. He use crossbow.

Norn
A catgirl and an apprentice to an alchemist called Zeldalia who lived in Poto Forest. She can cast magic and also can attack ghost enemies. (You cannot physically attack ghost..). She uses Magical Staff.

Arlin
A mysterious swordsman. He is also a powerful swordfighter, capable on inflicting heavy damage on individual foes.

Marietta Lixiss
Former Knight of Alkabana. Like Arlin, she is a swordfighter. Among her speciality is recover HP (Heal)

p.s : There are also numerous non-playable characters in the game. But, I will not put it here. Some other NPC can actually support you as the game progress. For example, produce a better an more quality product in shop.

GAMEPLAY

Battle System : Turn-based systems.

Synthesis : A special traits for Alchemy-based games. Among the things that you can synthesis.

- Mana Items are created by Klein using elements extracted from objects and creatures. The extraction process destroys the target, and can thus be used in combat or to destroy obstacles. To create lasting Items, Klein requires the help of the Manas, whose health is spent in the process.

- Normal Items are synthesized by shop owners if the characters bring them the right items. These includes both healing items (often in the form of food items) and pieces of equipment.

- Weapon Synthesis involves creating "mana crystals" by combining Mana stones found through the game. Each crystal can have up to three abilities, and can be inserted (or removed later) on certain pieces of equipment.

Mana :
The main drivers in the games. All alchemist need mana spirits in order for them to synthesis product. Thus, the driving force behind the alchemy in the game.
Some of the mana are Mana of Wood, Mana of Water, Mana of Wind, Mana of Fire, etc....

Uru, Mana Spirits of Fire

WRITER COMMENTS

The storyline is unique. The progress of the game is also great.
I mostly used Klein, Lita and Arlin throughout the game. But, there will be a time where you need to use different characters. Each characters has its own background and conflict.. and sometimes you cannot use them in battle. The key is to use all various Mana Items in the games to your advantage during battle. Sounds easy but believe me.. its really hard....

But one thing I can assure you.. it really worth it.. =)

Johor Royal Family (1981 - 2010)

sbbAssalamualaikum and Peace be upon all of you..
Thanks for viewing my blog.

In the past, I have post a topic about the King of Malaysia. Today, I will present the topic of Malaysia Royal Family starting from the Johor Royal Family. (more information can be refer here : http://radin87.blogspot.com/2010/01/johor-royal-family.html)

Johor Royal Family is the family member to the rulers of Johor and its sovereign, The Sultan of Johor. The consort for the Sultan is called Sultanah of Johor. HRH Sultan Iskandar al-Haj ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail is the 24th Sultan of Johor and the 4th Sultan of modern Johor. He reign started since 1981 until 22 January 2010. He has reign for 29 years. Following his death, the throne is passed to his first son, Sultan Ibrahim Ismail ibni al-marhum Sultan Iskandar al-Haj.

The Sultanah of Johor is HRH Sultanah Hjh Zanariah Ibn Almarhum Tengku Panglima Perang Ahmad.


HISTORY

Sultanate of Johor is the descendant of the former Sultanate of Malacca. In its peak, the Sultanate of Johor covers the area of Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Singapura and Riau Archipelago. The Sultanate of Johor was founded by Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah II, the son of Sultan Mahmud of Malacca. The Sultanate of Johor has been ruled by 3 dynasties, the descendent of Malacca royalty, the Bendahara and the Temenggung dynasties.

The history of Modern Johor started with the downfall of the Johor-Riau Empire after the death of Sultan Mahmud III. The succession dispute arise between the two Princes of Sultan Mahmud III, Tengku Hussein and Tengku Abdul Rahman. Tengku Hussein was absent during the funeral of Sultan Mahmud III, thus, Tengku Abdul Rahman was proclaimed as the new Sultan. Stamford Raffles, in his attempt to gain a British Settlement in Singapore orchestrated the English-Dutch Treaty resulted the Empire to split into two, the Riau-Lingga Archipelago under Sultan Abdul Rahman and Singapore and the mainland Johor to Sultan Hussein. After the death of Sultan Hussein in 1835, his first son succeed the throne as Sultan Muhammad Ali.

British who resides in Singapore are in favour of Temenggung Tun Ibrahim as the ruler of Johor. Thus, in 1855, Sultan Ali signed a treaty of handing over the sovereignty to Temenggung Tun Ibrahim as the Ruler of Johor with exception of the Kesang District, which is still under the rule of Sultan Muhammad Ali. In the same year, Temenggung Tun Ibrahim was installed as the ruler of Johor with the title as Maharaja of Johor. He founded Bandar Iskandar Puteri located at Tanjung Puteri (present day Johor Bahru) as the new Capital. The peninsular of Johor prosper under the ruled of Tun Ibrahim, the Maharaja of Johor. Nevertheless, the condition is not the same with Sultan Ali who failed to establish his authority in the Kesang District. With the death of Sultan Ali in 1877, an 11-year old Tengku Mahmood became his successor. And the Kesang District was handed over temporarily to the administration Temenggung Abu Bakar, Maharaja of Johor.

Tengku Alam Shah, an heir of Sultan Ali refused the hand-over of Kesang District by Colonel Archibald Anson to Temenggung Abu Bakar. The event trigger the civil war of Johor known as the Jementah War, as the first attack made by Tengku Alam and his follower is Jementah and winning the battle. A headsman of Jementah sent report to the Government of Johor. Thus, as counter attack, Maharaja Abu Bakar sent his cousin, Ungku Ahmad to led the army. Later, Datuk Muhammad Salleh bin Perang, the Datuk Bentara Luar was also sent to the battlefield to assist the government army which consist of about 400 men. The Government Army conquered the enemy stronghold and achieving total victory at the dawn of 30 December 1879. With the won of the war, a new town known as Bandar Maharani was founded by Maharaja Abu Bakar in the Muar District. In 1885, Maharaja Abu Bakar was proclaimed as Sultan of Johor and officially crowned on 29th July 1886. Thus, Sultan Abu Bakar was known as the Father of Modern Johor.

Johor also is the only state in Malaysia to have its own army, Askar Timbalan Setia Negeri, Johor Military Force (JMF) which currently serves as the private army to the Sultan of Johor. The protocol of the Johor Royalty are differs with the other Malay royal families where the protocol are mostly adapted from the Western Style rather than Malay Protocol. The Military attire is the officials attire of the Sultan and Sultanah of Johor. Among the popular event among the Johoreans is the "Kembara Mahkota Johor", an annual events. In this event, the Sultan and the members of the royal family will tour all around Johor to see his subjects.


SYMBOL

Royal Standard the Sultan of Johor

Royal Standard of the Sultanah of Johor

Royal Standard of the Crown Prince of Johor

ROYAL FAMILY

Sultan Iskandar married twice. First, to Josephine Trevorrow (Cik Kalthom) and second to Sultanah Zanariah. He has 2 sons and 8 daughters.

(with Cik Kalthom)

1. Tunku Kamariah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah (1956)
2. Tunku Zabedah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah (1957)
3. Tunku Ibrahim Ismail (1958)
4. Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah (1960)

(with Sultanah Zanariah)

1. Tunku Mariam Zahrah (1962)
2. Tunku Norani Fatimah (1963)
3. Tunku Maimunah Ismailiah (1967)
4. Tunku Abdul Majid Idris (1970)
5. Tunku Muna Najiah (1973)
6. Tunku Aminah Kalsom Masera Marian Zahira Iskandariah (1979)

* Tunku Ibrahim Ismail married with Raja Zarith Sofiah binti almarhum Sultan Idris Shah, their married is blessed with 5 sons and 1 daughter.
Tunku Ismail Idris (1984), Tunku Aminah (1986), Tunku Idris Iskandar (1987), Tunku Abdul Jalil Iskandar (1990), Tunku Abdul Rahman (1993), Tunku Abu Bakar Iman (2001).

* Tunku Abdul Majid Idris married with Tunku Teh Mazni binti Tunku Yusuf. Currently has 1 son.
Tunku Mahmood Iskandar (2006)

PALACE

The Palace of the Sultan of Johor located at Johor Bahru. The Bukit Serene Palace. Located on top of a hill. The previous palace was the Istana Besar Johor Bahru that has been change into a museum.

INHERITANCE

Sultan, Tengku Mahkota and Raja Muda of Johor

Only a male heir descendants of Sultan Abu Bakar of Johor can inherit the throne.

**Here are the line of successions to the Johor throne;

1. Tunku Ibrahim Ismail ibni Sultan Iskandar al-Haj, (Tunku Mahkota Johor)
2. Tunku Ismail Idris bin Tunku Ibrahim Ismail, (Raja Muda Johor)
3. Tunku Idris Iskandar bin Tunku Ibrahim Ismail
4. Tunku Abdul Jalil Iskandar bin Tunku Ibrahim Ismail
5. Tunku Abdul Rahman bin Tunku Ibrahim Ismail
6. Tunku Abu Bakar Iman bin Tunku Ibrahim Ismail
7. Tunku Abdul Majid Idris ibni Sultan Iskandar al-Haj, (Tunku Bendahara Johor)
8. Tunku Mahmood Iskandar bin Tunku Abdul Majid
9. Tunku Abu Bakar ibni alMarhum Tunku Bendahara 'Abdu'l Rahman ibni almarhum Sultan Ismail
10. Tunku 'Abdu'l Rahman [Alman] Burhan ud-din bin Tunku Abu Bakar

**subject to changes...

GALERIA

Some of the pictures of the Royal Family :-

Sultan and Sultanah of Johor

The Tunku Mahkota of Johor and wife.

HRH Tunku Ibrahim Ismail, Tunku Mahkota Johor

HH Raja Zarith Sofia, wife to Tengku Mahkota of Johor. Johor does not have any title for the wife of the Crown Prince.

The family of the Crown Prince

The Raja Muda of Johor, Tunku Ismail Idris

The Tunku Bendahara of Johor and wife :-

The Tunku Bendahara of Johor, Tunku Abdul Majid Idris

Wife of Tunku Bendahara of Johor, Tunku Teh Mazni