Johor Council of Royal Court president Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Ramli has written a book detailing the state’s heritage and ceremonial practices.
The book explores Johor’s unique traditions that have shaped the state’s royal identity for centuries.
Abdul Rahim said the book with 13 chapters, written in Bahasa Malaysia and titled Protokol Johor (Johor’s Protocol), drew on his decades of service in the royal institution.
He said he was deeply honoured to share this work, which captured what he personally witnessed and learnt about Johor’s royal protocols since 1964.
“There are historical reasons why Johor royals no longer use the Malay ‘tanjak’ but rather the ‘songkok’, and why we do not clasp our hands together in respect when meeting royalty, but instead bow from the neck, unlike other states.
“These changes came under the late Sultan Abu Bakar who modernised Johor’s customs,” Abdul Rahim said during a special discourse session on the book at the Raja Zarith Sofiah Library in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
The book also explains the distinctiveness of Johor’s datukships, he said.
“It has been regarded as one of the hardest to earn because Sultan Abu Bakar valued it highly and made sure it was conferred with great discretion.
“This year, only two individuals have received the title from Johor.
“Since 1886, just 805 people have been awarded, and of that number, only 275 are still alive,” he said, adding that the exclusivity has continued to this day.
Abdul Rahim said Johor had long been seen as a “trendsetter” state, balancing modernisation with the preservation of its unique identity.
“It is only by learning about our customs and history that we can carry ourselves with confidence, knowing how to behave and uphold this identity,” he said.
During the event, which was moderated by Johor Council of Royal Court member Datuk Dr Kassim Thukiman, Abdul Rahim also took the time to engage with attendees.
