Many attend Johor Ruler’s b’day party
JOHOR BARU: Thousands of people turned up at Dataran Bandaraya Johor Baru here overlooking the Straits of Johor to attend the tea party held in conjunction with the official birthday of Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.
Some turned up as early as noon. Sultan Ibrahim arrived at Dataran Bandaraya driving a classic Cadillac car around 3.45pm, accompanied by Permaisuri Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah.
The crowd, delighted to see the royal couple, chanted “Daulat Tuanku” three times.
Sultan Ibrahim was all smiles and waved back to his subjects.
Gracing the event were Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and his consort Che’ Puan Khaleeda Bustaman, as well as their daughter Tunku Khalsom Aminah Sofiah.
Other members of the Johor royal household were also present.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron, Johor state secretary Datuk Azmi Rohani and state leaders were among the dignitaries who attended the celebration.
Guests were served Johor signature dishes such as mee rebus, mee Jawa, lontong, roti jala and murtabak.
There were also karipap pusing, traditional Malay kuih as well as pizzas and fried chicken.
Student Muhammad Zaim Keman, 20, wished the Johor Ruler a healthy and long life, and praised Sultan Ibrahim for caring so much about his subjects.
“Every year, my friends and I will try our best to attend the tea party, and the fine weather makes the event more memorable,” he said.
Retiree Wong Wul Khim, 62, said the thousands who turned up at the event showed that Sultan Ibrahim was much loved by Johoreans.