The perception of many Malaysians who have never met His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, is this: He is stern and fierce.

I thought the same before I was granted an audience with Tuanku a decade ago. A mutual friend arranged for me to meet His Majesty, who wanted to better understand how the media operated.

I was reluctant at first, but my friend insisted that I go, assuring me that he would accompany me to the palace.

Tuanku wanted to find out why the national media, all based in Kuala Lumpur, only focused on the Klang Valley and Penang, and not much on Johor.

Tuanku also wanted me to tell him – frankly and candidly – what the people thought of him and his state.

“Ask me anything you want and say anything you want,” His Majesty said as the conversation started. I took that as the green light to express myself freely.

Tuanku listened patiently, not interrupting my remarks, and then replied to every question and comment, factually. Never once did His Majesty raise his voice.

Sultan Ibrahim was pleasant, candid, even humorous at times, and certainly not intimidating. I was totally surprised.

But I reminded Tuanku that this was not an interview, adding that I hoped Tuanku would grant me one.

His Majesty graciously met me again on March 15, 2015, and I had my first sit-down interview at Istana Bukit Serene in the Johor capital.

Over the last 10 years, I have had the privilege and honour to have many interviews with His Majesty.

I have also met Tuanku informally regularly as he shared his thoughts on various issues and advice for me, and the media.

Indeed, I have been very blessed to be able to meet Tuanku up close and personal.

If there is one topic that he treasures greatly, it is the importance of unity among the people, especially Bangsa Johor.

Sultan Ibrahim is without doubt and question the symbol of unity and this means for Malaysians of all races and religions.

Tuanku has consistently said that there is no room for extremism, and His Majesty walks the talk by turning up to join in the festivities organised by the rakyat of all faiths.

Sultan Ibrahim cares deeply for the people.

From day one, Sultan Ibrahim has continuously emphasised the need for people of all races to unite.

His Majesty is a very detailed man. State government leaders and civil servants who have dealings with him are expected to be well-prepared as Tuanku has no tolerance for sloppy work and also has a sharp memory.

And while he is both feared and respected, His Majesty is a kind person.

I know of Orang Asli fishermen who waited outside his residence to ask for help in attaining boat engines. When His Majesty heard about it, Tuanku directed his people to see to helping the community immediately.

His Majesty helped countless groups of people during the Covid-19 period three years ago.

During the flood episodes, Sultan Ibrahim would take a boat out to assess the situation.

His Majesty is comfortable sitting at a warung having nasi lemak and coffee after sembahyang subuh. So, it was no surprise that His Majesty had opted to have nasi lemak for breakfast in Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur, to mark his first official birthday as the King recently.

It may surprise many, but Tuanku has a keen sense of humour. In fact, Sultan Ibrahim is very good at telling jokes. It is something that the staff at Istana Negara have pleasantly found out.

Sultan Ibrahim is the first King that I know who spoke so strongly against corruption. He openly expressed his wish to fight the scourge of corruption. His Majesty is serious and determined.

Tuanku is very well-informed too. When Sultan Ibrahim says he has his eyes and ears everywhere, believe me, it is true.

His Majesty wants to revive the pride and prestige of the pillars of government, namely the judiciary, police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

As Tuanku is very well-versed in business and financial matters, he is also extremely keen on boosting the country’s economy.

Sultan Ibrahim sees great potential in Johor as the state is the only one close to Singapore and Batam, Indonesia. No one should be surprised if His Majesty is seen to be impatient to get things moving.

Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Shariff, the longest serving chief police officer in Johor from 2008 to 2015, described the King as a power of legitimacy and authority, and a symbol of stability and unity.

“He cares deeply. His Majesty’s instruction to me as then CPO was simple – to keep Johor safe for the people and investors. There are ramifications and consequences, remember, for the economy, especially investments,” the former Bukit Aman narcotics director recalls.

Mohd Mokhtar said Tuanku took great care of the welfare of the force, by using his own money to buy motorcycles for policemen to go on patrols.

“Sultan Ibrahim even bought caravans to be converted into mobile police beats because Tuanku wanted the police presence to be seen and felt,” he added.

He described Sultan Ibrahim as “stern but forgiving” and that Tuanku had zero tolerance for extremism.

“His message was to nip any kind of extremism in the bud. No racial issues of any kind,” he shared.

Sultan Ibrahim is also a straight-talking person who doesn’t beat around the bush and enjoys going to the ground to see things for himself.

He is the only Ruler who goes to every district in his state to meet and personally hear grievances of the rakyat through his annual Kembara royal motorcycle tour.

Not many people are aware that at Istana Negara, His Majesty’s series of meetings and audiences start at 09:00 on the dot.

That means every Istana official is ready before 9am and Tuanku is particularly punctual.

And what kind of King will Sultan Ibrahim be?

His Majesty would reinforce the need for peace, racial unity, harmony and solidarity; bring political stability and economic progress; spur the civil service to boost efficiency and service; and rid the country of corruption.

His Majesty will not just be a ceremonial King. Sultan Ibrahim is a man of action.