A trip down memory lane
The Prime Minister held an audience with Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim. Their meeting in Istana Bukit Serene in Johor Baru must have been interesting. What took place after that was even better. The Johor Ruler took Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on a ride in a fir
JOHOR BARU: It was a much-anticipated meeting between Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, but it was the ending that stole the show.
After their 90-minute meeting at Istana Bukit Serene here, the Johor Ruler personally drove the Prime Minister to the Senai International Airport in a 34-year-old Proton Saga.
It was the same car that Dr Mahathir had presented to the Ruler’s father, the late Sultan Iskandar, when the latter was the Yang di-Pertuan Agong way back on July 9, 1985.
The sky-blue manual drive vehicle, bearing the number plate Proton 1, was the first generation national car.
Asked about the drive, Dr Mahathir said that it was a good endorsement for Proton after over three decades.
“It is still functioning and did not break down,” he said, adding that the car had registered 24,000km and the clock still worked.
“(It was) kept well. Steering was very good. No breakdowns.
“It was priced at RM17,000 then and that is why I was able to give it as a free gift,” the Prime Minister told reporters after the 25km ride to the airport.
Dr Mahathir, who arrived at the Istana at 4pm in his first visit to Johor since becoming prime minister last May, said Sultan Ibrahim and him agreed to have direct discussions to iron out any problems.
“It was a free exchange of infor- mation. We do not need to hide anything.
“I also informed him about the people’s views about His Majesty and he accepted it.
“We agreed that in the future, if I have a problem, I can contact Tuanku,” he told reporters.
Asked whether they discussed issues involving the appointment of the next King, Dr Mahathir said: “That involves the Rulers and has nothing to do with me.”
Also greeting Dr Mahathir at the palace was Permaisuri Johor Raja Zarith Sofiah Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah.