Just last week, it was revealed that Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar had been selected as Malaysia’s 17th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong. The news delighted many, however, others were curious as to what changes would be in store for the country under the new Agong.
Well, Tunku Mahkota Johor (TMJ), Tunku Ismail Idris ibni Sultan Ibrahim recently took to local podcast Keluar Sekejap to share his thoughts on the issue. But, during the podcast, TMJ made a very interesting claim, opining that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would be facing a challenge, working with his dad.
The podcast Keluar Sekejap hosted by Khairy Jamaluddin (KJ) and Shahril Hamdan has breached many different topics pertaining to the country, politics obviously being a staple. As such, it was no surprise that a day after the announcement, the duo invited the Crown Prince of Johor onto the podcast for further insight into the matter, particularly pertaining to the 17th Agong.
KJ brought up that after the news was announced, plenty of comments claimed they would soon be under the rule of a “stern“, “strict“, and “firm” Agong. “(Your Royal Highness) knows Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, not only as a ruler, or as a Sultan, but as a dad. What kind of Agong do you think he will be?” he asked. TMJ did not hesitate as he firmly replied, “No nonsense. That is him.”
He clarified that while the Johor ruler was very understanding, he was also noticeably stern. “When it comes to the (nation’s) best interest, I don’t think he will budge,” TMJ stated, emphasizing on his father’s principles to do what is best for the country. He also agreed with KJ that his father would be taking on a more “hands-on” role as an Agong.
“For example, in Johor, whatever decisions, before the MB (Menteri Besar) makes them, need to be run by (Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar) first. And he will give his honest opinion (about the matter), while prioritising Johor’s (interests),” TMJ shared. “I feel he is going to do the same thing at the Federal level.” TMJ believes his father will ensure constant communication with the Prime Minister, share his input and more, as long as it helps the country.
The Crown Prince also shared that his father’s minute attention to detail and knowledge of various fields would be an immense benefit in his ruling. “(He) knows everything. You cannot lie to him, you cannot cheat him. He knows everything, exactly,” TMJ added. “Also, he knows the system very, very well. So, I think that is where, I know that, he has his own agenda there.”
The Crown Prince of Johor explained that his father was more focused on action than planning, always aiming to get the job done. “I know he’s going to do the same thing at the federal level, 100%,” he opined. With all that said, TMJ gave a wry grin and quietly added, “I think the prime minister is going to have a tough time.”
Well, it certainly seems as though things will be run differently next year, under the 17th Agong, Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar’s gaze. For now, we offer our sincerest congratulations to both the Johor Ruler and his family on the appointment as Agong.
Watch the full podcast here (20:00, 26:00 for the relevant clips):
In addition, Malaysian Journalist Emmanuel Samarathisa shared some interesting points regarding this recent podcast conversation between KJ and TMJ.
Sources: YouTube, China Press, Twitter.
