On Tuesday, the five-year tenure of Pahang’s Al-Sultan Abdullah as the country’s 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong came to a conclusion.

At a time when the coronavirus was ravaging the country and beyond, against the backdrop of a turbulent global environment, His Majesty made many right and timely decisions at critical moments, and left a deep impression among his subjects.

On Wednesday, the 17th King, Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim, took over officially. We Malaysians are strongly convinced that His Majesty, the outspoken monarch who has repeatedly stressed racial and religious equality and is concerned about the country’s development, will be able to perform his official duties to help sustain the country’s political as well as economic development, with the power entrusted to him by the Federal Constitution.

His Majesty has always given people the impression that he is a very solemn, unpretentious, and serious ruler.

Late last August, Sin Chew Daily did an exclusive interview with His Majesty, and we were indeed impressed by his lesser-known characters: humorous, and ready to share unreservedly.

However, whichever way we look at him, His Majesty has always remained a source of pride for the Johoreans, and we have every reason to believe that he will be a king deeply respected and loved by all Malaysians.

Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Idris once described his father as someone who is knowledgeable, down-to-earth, and straightforward.

He said His Majesty is the action-type of person who will put his words into real actions, is very particular about the details, and has extensive knowledge in various fields, including agriculture, construction and even military defence. He will never back off when the country’s interest is involved.

The Crown Prince also quipped that Sultan Ibrahim could give PM Anwar Ibrahim and his Unity Government a very tough time ahead!

That said, we believe His Majesty is very clear about the power entrusted to him by the Federal Constitution, and will not excessively intervene in government administration.

Instead, he will help the Unity Government preserve stability and move forward, with the wisdom and experiences he has accumulated over the years.

Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy whereby the Ruler’s powers are specified in the Constitution. Although His Majesty should abstain from direct involvement in the country’s politics, that does not mean he cannot voice up for social justice (equality, fairness, human rights, freedom and democracy).

When he served as the Sultan of Johor, His Majesty regularly expressed his views on domestic political developments and social events, and such comments have generally attracted public attention as well as widespread discussion.

For example, when inter-community relations came under menace due to incitement by irresponsible politicians, His Majesty (then Johor Sultan) wrote on Facebook: If anyone tries to spread hatred and racism in Johor, leave the state immediately. This is my order!

His Majesty also urged the government to reinstate English language education not only to unite all Malaysians, but also to enhance Johoreans’ global competitiveness.

We believe that in the days to come, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim will impart his convictions in good and fair governance to the whole of Malaysia and not just Johor.

He once advised the government: Don’t fool the rakyat! Solve the country’s economic and the people’s livelihood problems, especially with the fast depreciating ringgit impacting the day-to-day lives of Malaysians.

He once flared his temper over the “halal launderette” issue, vowing to drive the involved business owners out of Johor. He doesn’t want religious extremism to have a place in his state!

His strong abhorrence of racism, religious extremism and politics of hate; his advocacy for English language education; and his insistence on the government’s obligation to address the country’s economic as well as the people’s livelihood problems — underscore his open and liberal approach in dealing with things.

Judging from what he said and did while he was the Sultan of Johor, we believe he will impart his beliefs to the whole of Malaysia and not just confined to the state of Johor.

Firstly, racial equality. His Majesty has expressly said that Chinese Malaysians are not pendatang, as they were invited by the Johor royalty to help develop the state over a hundred years ago. He says the Chinese in Johor are all his subjects who must be treated equally.

Secondly, respect for religious freedom. His Majesty is against antagonistic approach towards other religions. While we respect the official status of Islam, other ethnic communities are entitled to the freedom to embrace and practise their own faiths. He has on many occasions invited to officiate the opening of Chinese as well as Indian temples.

Thirdly, closing urban-rural gap. His Majesty once said Johor is not an adopted child of the federal government. Although Johor has contributed RM13 billion to the federal treasury, the state has not been given fair opportunities in development. It is because of that, the state, in fact the whole country in general, has experienced severe urban-rural disparity in development, including education, health, medical care and road infrastructure.

Fourthly, promoting infrastructure development. Infrastructure and transportation development will enhance the state’s prosperity, and His Majesty is very concerned about the implementation of major development projects, such as the Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS), KL-Singapore High Speed Rail, and the Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ).

Fifthly, improved ties with Singapore and China. Singapore is a very important neighbour, while China is the world’s leading investing nation. Improved relationship with these two countries will help lure more investors to Malaysia.

We believe His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim will offer the government his valuable opinions in political stability, national unity, common prosperity, racial harmony, religious freedom, nation-building, and economic development, among other things.