Memorable quotes
JOHOR Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar is a man who speaks his mind on a lot of issues since ascending his throne in 2010.
Over the years, the Ruler has touched on various issues both about the happenings in the state and also in the country.
Here are some of his quotes touching on social, economic and political matters:
“No one should politicise education and health issues. I am worried for the education standards in this country. Please wake up!”
– This was with reference to the level of English among the people that is deteriorating where in his opinion, something needs to be done to stop the rot. (‘ Wake up, we need English’ – Dec 28, 2015)
“The people must benefit from any form of development. There must be spillover effects with the ordinary people being able to open up businesses to serve the people who have bought homes here. Ordinary Johoreans must see the spillover effects, as I want the people to benefit from all these changes.”
– This was with reference to the large number of unplanned developments that were not in the Iskandar Master Plan. ( Ruler is strict when conferring awards – March 19, 2015)
“I want to travel the world like my ancestors who once travelled around in ships.” –
The Sultan said this after he received his new “Gold” Boeing 737 aircraft that touched down at the Senai International Airport after flying in from the United States. The Sultan also hoped to bring the less fortunate to Mecca for their Haj pilgrimage in his plane. – ( Sultan receives his new aircraft – March 1, 2016)
I wish to take this opportunity to thank Malaysians, especially Johoreans, from all walks of life, races and religions who opened up their hearts in pouring out their support for my son.
I truly wish to thank them from the bottom of my heart. I am deeply touched.
“Even until this day, there are people still visiting the royal mausoleum to pay their last respects.”
“
“ – He said in relation to his son Tunku Abdul Jalil who passed away on Dec 5 last year due to cancer. ( Johor Ruler: I’m above politics – Dec 27, 2015)
If one really wants to wear the wing badge all the time, I suggest they make the jump first. At least the wing pinned on the chest really has value and is not just a decoration to complete the uniform.”
“ – The Sultan was commenting that military leaders and honorary officers should not wear military decorations such as badges and wings all the time, as they were meant to be only worn during special occasions at the 50th anniversary parade of the Special Forces Regiment at the Iskandar Camp ( Stay away from politics – Aug 26, 2015).
We are all Johoreans. We must unite regardless of whether we are Malay, Chinese or
“
– The Sultan referring to his hope to forge a multiracial society in Johor. ( Sultan wants all Johorean to unite – April 28, 2015)
Indian.”
“There should be no issue with Muslims celebrating festivals with their friends of other faiths because they would not be following or practising their religion.”
– This was in reference to Muslims being told by certain quarters on them celebrating other festivities. ( Sultan: Celebrate our unity – Nov 30, 2015)
“This is what Bangsa Johor is about as it promotes closeness, tolerance and mutual respect for each other, regardless of race and religion. We should celebrate in peace and harmony.” –
The Sultan said this during a Deepavali gathering organised by the Johor Federation of Indian Organisations at Dataran Tasik Kluang. ( Sultan: Celebrate our unity – Nov 30, 2015)
It has come to a point that if you throw a stone, it will hit a Datuk and when the stone rebounds, it will hit another Datuk.”
“ – The Sultan said this to illustrate the point that Malaysia is in danger of becoming a nation with the most number of decorated people. ( Don’t be obsessed with titles – Jan 24, 2016)
“I can assure my subjects that as long as I am around, there will be no casino in Johor. In Johor, we do not encourage the issuance of any gambling licences and if possible I want all the illegal ones to be cleaned up by the police.”
– His Royal Highness said this on speculations of a casino to be built in Johor. ( Ruler is strict when conferring awards – March 19, 2015)
“To those who wish to challenge my decision, which is the Ikhlas president, where are the names that have been collected? I have yet to see even one name. Remember, do not put your brains on your knee ( to the extent of endangering the health of others for monetary gain.”
– The Sultan commenting on his firm decision to ban the sales of vape in the state. ( Ruler slams vape ban critics – Feb 26, 2016).
“Johor is unique and that is why I want all my subjects, regardless of race, to be represented in the state government. On the economic front, I am aware of the various challenges since last year but I believe that we will be able to face the numerous challenges ahead as one nation and 1Malaysia.”
– The Sultan commenting that unity would help drive Johor to achieve better economy. ( Sultan Johor Speaks his mind – March 18, 2015)
“I am not a puppet in Johor. I have the right to call my mentri besar to ( advise) him at any time and others in my government as well. I am