‘A King who genuinely cares about the people’

Filled with joy: (from left) Loke, abdul Talib, shangkar and Lai say they wish his Majesty well and believe he will lead the country and people to greater heights.

JOHOR BARU: Malaysians have expressed their hopes for greater harmony and continued economic growth under the rule of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.

Kulai Long Yin Dragon and Lion Wushu Association chairman Loke Hon Long, 65, said Malaysians were lucky to have a Ruler who is known to be close to the rakyat.

“I hope for the peace and harmony that we have in Johor under Sultan Ibrahim to be extended throughout the entire country.

“Sultan Ibrahim is well known for safeguarding the people’s welfare and it is a privilege to have him as our new King,” he said here yesterday.

Sharing the same sentiments about the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong was Johor Bugis Association chairman Abdul Talib Kundik, 65, who prayed for Sultan Ibrahim’s continued safety and wellbeing.

“I met him twice last year during Kembara Mahkota Johor, which is an annual programme by Sultan Ibrahim to meet the people in Kluang and Pontian.

“We are happy every time we see our Ruler, and I believe his commitment to protecting our welfare will lead to a brighter future for all Malaysians,” he said.

Johor Retired Police Officers Association chairman J. Shangkar, 58, regards Sultan Ibrahim as a father figure who genuinely cares about the people.

“I admire Sultan Ibrahim’s wisdom, and his advice is similar to that of a caring father. I hope that Sultan Ibrahim will continue to prioritise the people, especially now at the federal level,” he said.

Auxiliary policeman Mohd Azuan Ali, 44, said he brought his three sons to Istana Bukit Serene from Pasir Gudang as early as 5am.

“It is a historic moment and I do not want them to miss it. I pray for Sultan Ibrahim’s well-being during his five-year term as our King to lead Malaysia and the people to new prosperity,” he said.

Johor Jaya Kiwanis Club committee member Lai Tick Foo, 60, said Malaysians would be hoping to see better economic growth with Sultan Ibrahim as King.

“Sultan Ibrahim has good ties with many foreign countries, especially with our closest neighbour Singapore.

“It will be good for Malaysia and its economy to have a Ruler who has forged good relationships with other countries as it can help us to attract more foreign investments,” he added.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Faculty of Management’s associate professor Dr L. Nanthakumar, 45, said he expected to see Malaysia’s relationship with many countries further strengthened with Sultan Ibrahim as King.

“History has shown that the modern Johor Sultanate has forged good relationships with many countries.

“Sultan Ibrahim has very good ties with countries such as Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and even China. In fact, Sultan Ibrahim helped open the door for Chinese investors to invest in Malaysia through Johor,” he said.