‎A NEW government is in power in Malaysia, and a new prime minister is calling the shots in Putrajaya.

However, the sultan of Johor made clear today that the southern state was unique and that he had a powerful voice when it came to affairs concerning Johor.

Delivering a speech at the swearing-in of the Johor menteri besar and state executive committee, the sultan said that the administrative system in Johor was based on a law enacted in 1895.

As such, anyone who wanted to govern the state must be well-schooled in this legislation.

“I will not allow anyone to betray the state or my people, or destroy the unity and prosperity enjoyed by my Johor, ” he said, adding that he was apolitical and race- and colour-blind.

Since he became the sultan, Sultan Ibrahim has taken great pains to state Johor’s uniqueness and to identify the people of the state as Bangsa Johor (“People of Johor”).

He touched on that theme today, stating: “Johor must be Johor. We don’t have to follow other states because we have our own position, which is different from other states”

The ruler also offered advice to Menteri Besar Osman Sapian and the new excos.

“The time for political campaigning is over. Now is the time to serve the people and not to seek wealth or settle scores,” he said.

The sultan made it clear that he was a stickler for protocol and proper attire.

There were instances in the past in other states when DAP assemblymen were reluctant to wear the songkok at official ceremonies‎.

The sultan’s reminder on proper attire seemed aimed at heading off any controversy with the Pakatan Harapan state government, since 14 of its elected representatives are from DAP. – May 16, 2018.