Strong bond between royals, MB’s Office

KUALA LUMPUR: Johor has a unique and undeniable place in Malaysian politics.

The state is proud that it is the originator of Malaysia’s struggle for independence with its fight against the Malayan Union, and for being the bastion of Malay nationalism for its role in the creation of United Malays National Organisation (Umno).

There is a strong bond between Johor royals and the Menteri Besar’s Office.

The 22nd Sultan of Johor, the late Sultan Ibrahim Al Masyhur Sultan Abu Bakar, had supported Datuk Seri Onn Jaafar early on in Umno’s struggle against the Malayan Union and the fight for independence.

He appointed Onn as the state’s seventh menteri besar, a position which the latter held from June 1, 1947 until May 18, 1950.

During his tenure, Onn went on to strengthen the bond between the palace and the political office, as enshrined in the Johor state constitution.

The constitution, which was formed in 1895, is unique because it is considered the first modern Malay constitution in the country.

It provides guidelines on matters such as a prohibition against ceding Johor to any party, conditions to appoint and crown the sultan, rules for the replacement of the sultan, and appointments of ministers, led by the menteri besar, to advise the ruler on administrative matters.

According to the state constitution, the sultan of Johor shall first appoint the menteri besar who must be a Malay and Muslim.

He will be required to preside over the Executive Council. Members of the council must take the oath of office and allegiance, as well as the oath of secrecy, in the presence of the sultan before they can carry out their duties.

The constitution made Johor the first state to practise the constitutional monarchy system.

It was used as a guideline for other Malay state constitutions and a reference for the Federal Constitution.