Johor revels in being different

IF Malaysia was a family, then Johor would be the black sheep – successful, ambitious yet fiercely independent.

The Tunku Mahkota Johor (Johor’s Crown Prince) has said: “It is different in Johor. You have to understand that in Johor we have our own way, so don’t bring your outside influences; take care of your own states and country.”

It may sound strange to hear Johor speak of Malaysia as a separate entity, but that sentiment is not without root. Historically, Johor has always been different from the other Malay states.

In 1885, Johor’s Sultan Abu Bakar (also friend of Queen Victoria) signed the Anglo-Johor Treaty with the British. This earned Johor some degree of independence, unlike other Malayan states back then. The treaty even referred to Johor as the “Independent State of Johor”.

This southern state maintained its autonomy until the British drafted Johor’s constitution in 1895. Even then, it wasn’t until 1914 that Johor accepted a British adviser.

This rebellious streak prevailed throughout the country’s history. Johor eventually became the birthplace of Umno, the organisation which rebelled against the formation of the Malayan Union in 1946.

That act of rebellion helped shape Malaysia as we know it today.

And yet, despite being part of Malaysia for over 60 years, Johor’s fire has not dimmed. It is the only state in Malaysia which has its own army. While its function is mainly ceremonial, it reflects Johor’s uniqueness, marking its special status among other Malaysian states.

The Johor royal family is also renowned for their charisma. They have a larger-than-life presence in the state and are loved by the people. Their concept of Bangsa Johor or Citizen of Johor is well embraced.

Political risk analyst Amir Fareed Rahim said: “It (Bangsa Johor) gives them a sense of belonging and pride. The Sultan understands his state and his people. He has gone to every corner of the state to meet his subjects; he sits and eats with them.”

This is obvious from the Royal Family’s involvement with the people. In September last year, the Sultan of Johor ordered the owner of a controversial Muslim-only launderette in Muar to stop its discriminatory practice or risk being shut down. Just a few days later, the launderette owner promptly complied and followed it with a public apology.

And earlier this year, the Sultan of Johor stepped in as peacemaker in the demolition of an 80-year-old Hindu temple in Masai. Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and his son, Tunku Idris Sultan Ibrahim, offered a cash handout of RM100,000 and RM70,000 respectively to the temple committee to help with the cost of the relocation.

The Johor Royal family has become a unifier for Johoreans. There are no Chinese, Malay or Indian citizens – only Bangsa Johor. Whether it’s buying groceries for the people or talking about seceding from Malaysia, the royal family is indeed a force to be reckoned with.

Johor’s colourful history and independent streak are what make it the black sheep. And like every black sheep, it may want to spread its wings.

The notion isn’t impossible. Johor is set to be the richest state in Malaysia by 2025, a target that’s being pursued by Iskandar Malaysia, one of Malaysia’s development corridors. Iskandar Malaysia initially aimed to achieve RM176bil in investments from 2013 to 2022.

Spoiler alert – it has already surpassed the target. As at March this year, it reached a cumulated investment of RM262bil with four years still on the clock. Its new goal? To accumulate RM383bil in investments by 2025.

Judging by its projects, it’s on track too. Just recently, Forest City opened the doors of its RM1.8bil golf resort to the public. Soon to follow is its “smart” eco-city, which is spread over an area equivalent to four of New York’s Central Park.

It has the capacity to accommodate 700,000 residents, marking an investment worth over US$100bil – a significant milestone for both Johor and Malaysia.

Furthermore, on the political front, while the new federal government may not be on the best terms with Singapore, Johor remains friendly. Johor’s Crown Prince, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, has thanked Singapore for being “a neighbour and a friend”.

Johor is indeed the black sheep – successful, ambitious, and fiercely independent.