JOHOR BARU: The visionary leadership of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia will elevate Malaysia to greater heights over the next five years, says Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi (pic).
He said this was evident from how His Majesty had fostered the development of Johor during his reign as state Ruler and would do the same for the country as the 17th King of Malaysia.
In a recent interview, Onn Hafiz said His Majesty places great emphasis on unity between communities of multiple races and religions, which is the key to the prosperity and progress of a state or nation.
"Seeing the way Sultan Ibrahim governs Johor, I am sure His Majesty will do the same at the national level," he said.
In addition, Onn Hafiz said issues involving people's lives and racial unity were always topics of discussion with Sultan Ibrahim, either in formal or informal settings, including the Kembara Mahkota Johor (KMJ) programme.
"I often rode in the same vehicle with His Majesty when visiting Johor districts during the programme, and Sultan Ibrahim liked to tell stories about the history of Johor and the districts we visited, reminding me to solve all problems faced by the people in those districts,” he said.
Sultan Ibrahim initiated the KMJ programme in 2001 when he was the Crown Prince, to reach out to the people at the grassroots.
Since then, the programme has become one of Johor's main annual events, strengthening the relationship between the Johor Palace and the people.
Onn Hafiz also highlighted that Sultan Ibrahim and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, possess a deep understanding of the needs of the people, and are keenly attuned to the multifaceted issues and challenges facing society.
"Their Majesties exhibit a firm yet caring demeanour, reflecting their strong commitment to fulfilling the needs and ensuring the welfare of the people.
"For example, when the country faced the Covid-19 pandemic, the Johor Royal Family donated more than RM180mil to help the people statewide.
"Every decree issued by Their Majesties addresses the pressing needs of the people, such as the demand for more hospitals in our state, and the widening of the North-South (PLUS) Expressway in Johor. Thanks to the decrees, the highway widening project was immediately approved,” he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the widening of the PLUS Expressway from four to six lanes and its extension from Sedenak to Simpang Renggam at a cost of RM931mil, during the tabling of Budget 2024 in October.
The Installation Ceremony of Sultan Ibrahim as the 17th King of Malaysia will take place at Istana Negara on Saturday (July 20).
A special documentary "Di Sebalik Mahkota" will be broadcast on Bernama TV on Friday (July 19).
Sultan Ibrahim took the oath and signed the instrument of office as the 17th King of Malaysia on Jan 31. – Bernama
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