‘Attend Hari Hol celebration or lose Datukship’

Johor Ruler reminds them to observe day of his father’s death

MERSING: Recipients of Johor’s Datukship risk having the title retracted by the Sultan of Johor if they fail to show up, without valid reasons, at the annual Hari Hol to commemorate his late father’s death.

Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar reminded those bestowed with the title from the late Sultan Iskandar Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail to be present at the annual ceremony, which involves a tahlil and visit to the royal mausoleum.

He said Hari Hol – a day to observe the death of Sultan Iskandar – is a state public holiday in Johor.

“If there are those who are unwilling to sacrifice their time to remember my late father, I feel it is better that they sacrifice their title,” he said.

The Sultan made the decree when attending the Special Operations Regiment (Regimen Gerak Khas) 51st anniversary celebration in Kem Iskandar here yesterday.

He said those who do not attend without a reason would be assumed as no longer interested in upholding the Datukship title that was given to them and should return the title with honour as they have received it.

Sultan Ibrahim added the decree applies to everyone, and it did not matter if the person was a minister, general or a former general.

Johor’s Hari Hol is observed on Nov 6 each year.

On a separate matter, Sultan Ibrahim, who is the regiment’s Colonel Commandant, reminded all commandos, whether currently serving or retired, not be influenced by extremist teachings that could tarnish the regiment’s name.

He said a commando should show the society that they are highly disciplined and can carry themselves well, adding that since it was established 51 years ago, the regimen had made various achievements, as well as had its fair share of mistakes and failures.

“Based on these experiences, the regiment has to think ahead in strengthening the regiment, in facing challenges, in maintaining excellence and overcoming mistakes,” he said, adding that the modern age calls for modern tactics.