JOHOR SULTAN: SET ASIDE DIFFERENCES
Ruler urges new leadership to focus on people’s welfare, development
SULTAN of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has urged all parties to set aside any disagreements and misunderstandings, especially regarding the relationship between the state and federal government.
Sultan Ibrahim said Johor recently saw the appointment of a new menteri besar and state executive council lineup.
“I hope after this, all focus will be given on the efforts to develop Johor.
“Therefore, the new leadership has to unite and double its efforts so that the interest and welfare of the people are enhanced and preserved. At the same time, I hope all parties will provide their full cooperation so that the administration and management of the state can run smoothly,” the ruler said on his social media account yesterday.
He said any disagreements and misunderstandings, especially regarding the relationship between Johor and Putrajaya, should be set aside.
“It is better to meet and talk with maturity for the sake of all, especially the people,” said Sultan Ibrahim.
Sultan Ibrahim’s statement came in the wake of remarks made by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Wednesday on the importance of adhering to the Federal Constitution, which touches on the role of constitutional monarchs.
Dr Mahathir’s had previously traded barbs, particularly with Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim over matters relating to the concept of federalism, constitutional powers and absolute monarchy.
In his blog posting on chedet.cc., Dr Mahathir had cautioned that ignoring the Federal Constitution’s supremacy would renege on the rule of law.
Drawing his points from Malaya’s journey towards independence from British colonial rule, including its first taste of partial election for seats in the Federal Legislative Council, Dr Mahathir had said it was collectively agreed that the role of the rulers would be maintained, but not as absolute monarchs under the Federal Constitution prepared by the Reid Commission.
Dr Mahathir contended that ultimately, democratic rule and powers vested in the constitution superseded the authority of constitutional monarchs.