Johor’s football club, Johor Darul Ta’zim has always been closely associated with Tunku Mahkota Johor (TMJ), Tunku Ismail Idris ibni Sultan Ibrahim. Unsurprising, as the Crown Prince of Johor has been handling the affairs of the team for over 10 years.
However, he dropped a bombshell last week, claiming he would be handing control of the club over to others. Today (16th June), we discovered why. Apparently, the Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar will be taking a break from his royal duties. As such, he will be appointing TMJ as the Regent of Johor in his stead.
The sultan made the announcement this morning when he opened the Johor State assembly meeting in Kota Iskandar. “I appoint the Crown Prince as the Regent from today,” he reportedly said, according to Bernama. “I wish to rest a while. Thank you.”
Tunku Sultan Ibrahim later confirmed TMJ’s appointment as regent on his official Facebook. Additionally, he expressed his wishes for his son to continue leading the JDT football team. “Tunku Sultan Ibrahim also said to announce His Majesty’s wish for Tunku Mahkota Ismail to continue to lead and manage the JDT football team to dignify the sport at the national and international levels,” the statement read.
There has been no mention of how long the regency would last. However, this is not the first time the Crown Prince assumed the role. He was previously appointed on 10th August 2019 as well. His new title has been decreed as such: His Royal Highness Tunku Mahkota Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, Regent of Johor.
