Last week, the Conference of Rulers elected Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar of Johor as the country’s 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

We truthfully believe that with the open-minded Sultan at Istana Negara, and with the powers entrusted to the Malay Rulers by the Federal Constitution, he will assist and work closely with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to take the country forward.

During an interview with former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin in his “Keluar Sekejap” podcast channel, Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Idris said His Majesty is a knowledgeable man that cares about the well-being of the people, values efficiency and will deliver what he has promised.

According to the Crown Prince, His Majesty is an action man. He wants actions and not just empty talks!

Tengku Ismail also said His Majesty’s character could be quite tough for Anwar’s Unity Government. Why? Because according to the Crown Prince, Anwar lacks a good team (cabinet) and his first-year performance has been underwhelming.

The Crown Prince’s proposal has aptly reflected what majority of Malaysians feel. During the interview, he urged Anwar to do something good for the country and be bold to make decisions.

He also said Sultan Ibrahim has adopted a very positive attitude on issues pertaining to the people, citing the example that His Majesty would offer his sincere views when consulted by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi before the latter makes any major decision.

Sultan Ibrahim is known to be highly concerned about the well-being of the people, and will voice up especially when things have gone out of course.

The Malaysian politics has in recent years become increasingly polarized, with political parties and leaders prioritizing their own interests above those of the nation, as they avidly cook up sensitive racial and religious issues to divide the people.

But fortunately, Sultan Ibrahim has advocated moderation and solidarity among the people irrespective of race and religion, and has resolutely rejected acts of extremism.

While we cannot expect our politicians to forgo their extremist thinking, we definitely can pin our hopes on His Majesty wielding his influence to stop the situation from worsening.

In an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily in August, His Majesty said he saw himself as a Malaysian first.

To him, Malaysia is a common destiny for all the people living here, be they Malays, Chinese, Indians or other ethnicities.

And when some politicians start to exploit sensitive racial issues, sowing the seat of uneasiness among the local Chinese, His Majesty would stress that the Chinese were previously invited to Johor to participate in the state’s development and were not unwelcome guests!

We believe that after Sultan Ibrahim officially takes over as the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong early next year, he will continue to promote national unity and mend the cracks created by irresponsible politicians.

While we cannot expect our politicians to forgo their extremist thinking, we definitely can pin our hopes on His Majesty wielding his influence to stop the situation from worsening.

Tengku Ismail has asserted that after his father assumes office, he will adopt a similar model of cooperation with the Johor menteri besar in dealing with the federal government, meaning he will maintain a close working relationship with the prime minister and offers his candid views.

According to the Crown Prince, His Majesty’s character could be tough for the Unity Government, but it is hoped that under the new framework, the government will put on a better show and take the country back to the right track of growth.

Different individuals have varied views on the one-year-old Unity Government’s performance. It is hoped that the cabinet will deliver what it has promised and not keep bringing up unrealistic and whimsical strategies that will never work.