The Tokoh Johor Museum in Bukit Senyum, Johor Baru, which houses important information about the state’s history and famous figures, is currently closed for renovations. The state aims to reopen it in conjunction with Visit Johor Year 2026 and International Museum Day.
JOHOR’S history is a rich tapestry woven by visionary leaders, dating back to the 16th century.
From the strategic rule of early sultans and leadership of iconic figures, their legacies continue to shape the state today.
Johor Heritage Foundation (YWJ) museum unit head Nor Alisa Abdul Rahman (pic) said one of the most prominent figures is Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar Ibni Almarhum Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim, also known as the Father of Modern Johor.
“He played a significant role in developing a modern and advanced Johor, particularly its administration system – he formulated the Johor State Constitution in 1895, also known as Undang-Undang Tubuh Negeri Johor 1895.
“He also oversaw the establishment of police and armed forces in the state, as well as the construction of public facilities such as roads and infrastructure,” she told The Star in an interview.
Johor Heritage Foundation museum unit head Nor Alisa Abdul Rahman.
She said Sultan Abu Bakar also paved the way for diplomatic ties with countries such as England, Turkey, Egypt, China and Japan.
The Sultan strongly advocated for racial harmony and unity, said Nor Alisa, noting that the Ruler introduced the tagline “Muafakat Itu Berkat” (Consensus is a Blessing) to promote mutual respect and understanding.
“Such inclusive qualities, whether in state administration or education, were passed down until today,” Nor Alisa added.
Current Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, who is also the 17th King of Malaysia, is a strong advocate for unity, often emphasising the importance of the Bangsa Johor concept.
Sultan Ibrahim has repeatedly reaffirmed the concept, stating that Johor’s racial and religious diversity will always be recognised and respected.
“Sultan Ibrahim’s vision as a Ruler has driven Johor’s rapid growth, attracting foreign investors and developing a high-value property market while ensuring affordable housing for the people,” Nor Alisa noted.
Here is a look at other prominent leaders who shaped Johor, according to YWJ’s records.
Datuk Jaafar Muhammad
Born in Telok Belanga, Singapore, Jaafar became modern Johor’s first mentri besar in 1868. He was instrumental in shaping Johor’s public administration system, playing a key role in driving its economic growth and infrastructure development.
Known for his integrity and deep sense of nationalism, he earned the respect of the British as a trustworthy and capable administrator.
Datuk Seri Amar Diraja Abdul Rahman Andak
One of the first Johoreans to receive his education in England, Abdul Rahman began his public service career in June 1878 as a clerk and translator at the Johor State Secretary’s office.
He became State Secretary in 1893, coordinating diplomatic affairs between Johor and the British in Singapore and London.
He also advised Sultan Abu Bakar on matters related to international diplomacy and the formulation of the state constitution, which safeguarded the sovereignty of the royal family.
Wong Ah Fook
One of Johor’s most prominent Chinese leaders, Wong left his home village of Yan Jin Cun in Guangdong, China, at the age of 17 to seek a better future in South-East Asia.
Upon arriving in 1854, he worked as a carpenter in Singapore before becoming a contractor and establishing a successful career in construction.
Wong later gained the trust of Sultan Abu Bakar, who commissioned him to build his palace in Iskandar Putri, as Johor Baru was known then. The palace plans were drawn up by an European architect.
In her book Wong Ah Fook – Immigrant, Builder and Entrepreneur, Wong’s great- granddaughter Lim Pui Huen wrote that despite his youth, the contract to build Istana Besar spoke volumes about his skills and reputation.
The book highlighted the building materials sourced from various places: ceramic tiles from Europe, marble from Italy, roof tiles from China and fired bricks from Singapore.
An interesting detail about the palace’s construction was the use of Madras chunam plaster, made from shell lime mixed with egg whites and coarse sugar.
The palace was officiated on Jan 1, 1866, coinciding with the renaming of Iskandar Putri to Johor Baru.
Wong was also tasked with constructing several other notable buildings, including the residence of Johor’s first mentri besar in Bukit Senyum, as well as numerous public works related to maintaining buildings and improving town infrastructure.
Tan Hiok Nee
Born in 1810, Tan travelled to South-East Asia at the age of 17. He worked in Pahang and later traded textiles in Singapore.
Among his prominent and regular customers were Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim, the sovereign Ruler of Johor at the time, and his heir Tun Abu Bakar, who later became Sultan Abu Bakar.
As part of his efforts to develop Johor, Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim invited Chinese settlers to relocate to the state and cultivate land for pepper and gambier farming.
He also introduced the kangchu system, which allowed permit holders to collect taxes and govern Chinese communities along riverbanks.
With the Ruler’s support, Tan relocated to Johor from Singapore and continued his business in Sungai Segget. Tan also obtained kangchu permits, granting him authority over the left side of Sungai Johor, from southern Kota Tinggi to Pulau Ubin.
When Tun Abu Bakar ascended the throne in 1868, Tan was appointed the first Mejar Cina, the highest position given to a Chinese in the Johor administration. The Mejar Cina title was later revived by Sultan Ibrahim in 2020.
In 1874, Tan was one of two Chinese members of the Johor state assembly. He was conferred the Sri Paduka Mahkota Johor award, bearing the title of Datuk.
Dr Samuel Nalliah Ponniah
Dr Samuel graduated from the University of Hong Kong and is a registered member of the Malaysian Medical Council. He has made significant contributions to the medical field and received various awards, including the Pingat Ibrahim Sultan Johor medal in 1990.
He has also demonstrated academic excellence and contributed to the advancement of medicine in Malaysia and beyond.
Nor Alisa highlighted other notable Johor figures such as footballer Abdullah Mohd Don, nicknamed “Harimau Malaya” for his performance on the field, and politician Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, who held various ministerial posts, including deputy prime minister (1970 to 1973).
“Information on the state’s history and figures will once again be on display at the Tokoh Johor Museum in the city once renovations are completed next year.
“We aim to reopen it in conjunction with Visit Johor Year 2026 and International Museum Day, so the public can learn more and develop a deeper appreciation for the state,” she said.
