Johor Ruler wants history and feats of private army recorded

JOHOR BARU: Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar wants the achievements and history of the Johor Military Force (JMF) to be recorded in a book.

By doing so, future generations would have a better insight into the history of the force, the Ruler said in his address at the JMF’s passing-out parade at its headquarters in Bukit Timbalan yesterday.

JMF was established in 1886 by Sultan Ibrahim’s great-great-great grandfather Sultan Sir Abu Bakar Daeng Ibrahim. Johor is the only state in the country to have its own private army.

Sultan Ibrahim also suggested that a JMF museum be set up so that people and tourists would be able to see how the force developed since its inception.

During the parade, Sultan Ibrahim inspected the cadets, accompanied by his son Tunku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ibrahim.

The ceremony was to mark the end of training for 61 recruits.

Sultan Ibrahim said the event was a historic moment because it was held with full tradition for the first time since 1947.

“I would like to remind the recruits to be disciplined at all times and maintain their sense of camaraderie and loyalty to the state,” he said.

He urged the state government to strengthen JMF, its duties as well as rules and regulations to ensure the force continues to be relevant.

“The need for equipment and infrastructure should also be considered so the force can carry out its duties effectively in times of need,” he added.

The ceremony, which was attended by Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and other state dignitaries, attracted the attention of passers-by who stopped to watch it from the entrance gates.