Sultan Johor Kurnia Gelaran DYMM Kepada Isteri Baginda Sempena Hari Keputeraan

JOHOR BAHARU, 22 Nov (Bernama) -- Sultan Johor Sultan Ibrahim berkenaan mengurniakan gelaran "Duli Yang Maha Mulia" ke atas isteri baginda, Yang Mulia Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah bersempena istiadat sambutan ulang tahun hari keputeraan baginda ke-52, Isnin.

Setiausaha Jumaah Majlis Diraja Johor Datuk Abdul Rahim Ramli berkata Sultan Ibrahim pada istiadat penganugerahan yang akan berlangsung di Istana Besar itu, turut berkenan mengurniakan gelaran "Yang Amat Mulia Enche' Besar" ke atas bonda baginda, Hajah Khalsom Abdullah.

"Mulai Isnin, gelaran rasmi Duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja Zarith Sofiah dan dibahasakan sebagai "Tuanku" manakala Yang Amat Mulia Enche' Besar Hajah Khalsom dan dibahasakan sebagai "Yang Amat Mulia" hendaklah digunakan dalam sebarang urusan rasmi," kata Abdul Rahim kepada pemberita, di sini.

Beliau berkata gelaran terhadap Yang Amat Mulia Enche' Besar dikurniakan Sultan Ibrahim sebagai menghormati bonda baginda dan gelaran itu pertama kali dikurniakan oleh Almarhum Sultan Abu Bakar ke atas suri baginda iaitu Yang Amat Mulia Enche' Besar Zubaidah Abdullah.

Menurut Abdul Rahim, Hajah Khalsom akan turut dikurniakan Darjah Kerabat Pangkat Pertama (DK I) yang merupakan darjah tertinggi bagi Johor manakala Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim akan dikurniakan Pangkat Pertama Datuk Seri Setia Sultan Ismail (SSIJ), pada istiadat berkenaan.

Katanya, Sultan Ibrahim juga akan melantik kedua-dua anakandanya, Tunku Abdul Jalil sebagai menteri bagi darjah Sultan Ismail Yang Amat Diberkati dan Tunku Abdul Rahman sebagai bentara bagi darjah yang sama supaya anakanda baginda mempelajari dan mewarisi adat istiadat negeri Johor.

Sementara itu, Abdul Rahim berkata istiadat esok yang dijangka bermula pada pukul 9.30 pagi akan didahului dengan doa kesyukuran dan disusuli dengan tabik hormat dari Askar Timbalan Setia sebelum Sultan Ibrahim masuk ke singgahsana.

Beliau berkata Tunku Abdul Rahman akan mengambil bahagian sebagai pegawai panji-panji yang akan membawa panji-panji Askar Timbalan Setia semasa perbarisan kehormatan pasukan berkenaan.

"Ucap selamat bagi pihak rakyat dan kerajaan Johor oleh Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman akan diiringi Exco Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri, Tenaga, Air, Komunikasi dan Alam Sekitar Johor, Tan Kok Hong; dan Exco Perpaduan Sumber Manusia, Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi Johor, M. Asojan yang mewakili kaum Cina dan India," katanya.

Menurut Abdul Rahim, Menteri Besar yang diiringi wakil kaum Cina dan India itu diamalkan oleh kerajaan Johor satu masa dahulu selain menyokong gagasan 1Malaysia yang diperkenalkan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak, ketika ini.

Setiausaha Kerajaan Johor Datuk Abdul Latiff Yusof pula berkata pelbagai program untuk rakyat dianjurkan di setiap daerah di negeri ini sempena sambutan ulang tahun keputeraan baginda sultan termasuk pertandingan memancing ikan di Pantai Stulang esok manakala konsert rakyat pada sebelah malam di Stadium Tertutup Majlis Bandaraya Johor Baharu.

"Sultan Ibrahim akan bersama-sama rakyat pada pukul 3 petang di majlis Jamuan Teh di Dataran Bandaraya Johor Baharu pada Selasa dan jamuan malam anjuran kerajaan negeri di Pusat Konvensyen Persada Johor pada Rabu," katanya.

-- BERNAMA

Kembara Mahkota Johor 2010 bermula

JOHOR BAHRU 26 Jun - Sultan Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar hari ini memulakan program Kembara Mahkota Johor (KMJ) 2010 selama tiga hari yang disifatkannya sebagai usaha untuk merapatkan diri dan menyelami isi hati rakyat.

Pengembaraan itu menggunakan kereta api sebagai pengangkutan utama dengan baginda akan memandu sendiri kereta api sejauh 391.3 kilometer bermula dari JB Sentral ke Gemas, Negeri Sembilan sebelum kembali semula ke JB Sentral.

Program menjelajah empat daerah itu merupakan kembara pertama sejak Sultan Ibrahim dimasyhurkan sebagai Sultan Johor pada 23 Januari lalu.

"Saya dan keluarga bersama ahli rombongan dapat melihat sendiri kehidupan dan cara hidup rakyat berbilang kaum di negeri ini.

"Perkara ini penting kerana dapat mengenali dan memahami rakyat, terutama rakyat di luar daerah. Bila kita rapat dengan rakyat, barulah mereka dapat nyatakan isi hati mereka," titah baginda.

Sultan Ibrahim bertitah demikian ketika merasmikan bangunan JB Sentral dan melancarkan KMJ 2010 di Dewan Menunggu Penumpang, JB Sentral di sini hari ini.

Turut berangkat menyertai rombongan berkereta api pada kira-kira pukul 10 pagi itu adalah isteri baginda, Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah; Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ismail; Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin dan Menteri Besar, Johor Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman.

Muhyiddin, bagaimanapun, hanya menyertai rombongan itu sehingga ke Kulaijaya.

KMJ kali ini merupakan edisi ke-12 sejak dimulakan pada 2001 yang merupakan cetusan idea Sultan Ibrahim sendiri, yang ketika itu menjadi Tunku Mahkota Johor dengan bertujuan mendekatkan hubungan keluarga diraja Johor dengan rakyat.

Sebelum ini, edisi kembara adalah dengan menggunakan motosikal berkuasa tinggi, kereta pacuan empat roda dan bot bagi penjelajahan ke pulau-pulau sekitar Johor.

Usaha memandu sendiri kereta api itu bakal mendapat pengiktirafan Malaysia Book of Records sebagai sultan pertama memandu kereta api secara rasmi dan baginda dijadual dikurniakan lesen memandu keretapi pada majlis yang akan diadakan di Stesen Keretapi Gemas, Isnin ini.

Sultan Ibrahim menerusi kembara kali ini dijadualkan singgah di beberapa stesen kereta api termasuk Kulaijaya, Kluang dan Chamek untuk bertemu rakyat.

Baginda dan rombongannya sejurus tiba di stesen kereta api, dijadualkan akan dibawa menggunakan kenderaan lain bagi melakukan pelbagai aktiviti.

Ini termasuk melawat Kampung Pertanian di Kulaijaya, melancarkan tabung amal Simpang Renggam, demonstrasi membuat tosai dan melancarkan portal Sekolah Agama Kampung Chamek dekat Kluang.

Sumber : Mingguan Malaysia, 27 Jun 2010

Kembara Mahkota Johor

Kembara Mahkota Johor adalah cetusan ilham DYMM Tuanku Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar yang pada ketika itu sebagai DYAM Tunku Mahkota Johor, bertujuan untuk mendekatkan hubungan keluarga Diraja Johor dengan rakyat Negeri Johor menurut baginda.

Pada zaman dahulu, raja atau sultan ditandu ketika melawat jajahan takluknya, ada kalanya raja menunggang kuda atau gajah untuk ke destinasi yang agak jauh. Kini, semuanya telah berubah. Dengan segala kemudahan yang tersedia, perjalanan semakin mudah dan dekat. Pihak istana juga tidak terlepas dilanda arus perubahan.Tandu tidak lagi digunakkan, gajah pula entah ke mana. Untuk ke sesuatu destinasi, raja dibawa dengan kereta yang lebih pantas dan selamat.

Buat pertama kalinya beliau memulakan program ini pada tahun 2001 dengan menunggang motosikal berkuasa tinggi bersama-sama beberapa orang tokoh koprat, VVIP, serta ketua-ketua jabatan menyusuri setiap pelusuk negeri merangkumi 8 daerah pada ketika itu.

Lantaran kerbekesanan Kembara Mahkota Johor 2001, DYMM Tuanku Sultan telah mengumumkan agar program ini dijadikan acara tahunan istana. Selain mendekatkan hubungan antara pihak istana dengan rakyat, Kembara Mahkota Johor juga bertujuan sebagai satu program amal bagi menyampaikan bantuan dan sumbangan kepada golongan yang kurang bernasib baik. Program ini juga dapat mempromosikan lokasi lokasi menarik bagi industri pelancongan dan baginda dapat meninjau sendiri pembangunan yang telah disalurkan oleh pihak kerajaan kepada rakyat negeri Johor. Selain itu Kembara Mahkota Johor juga bermatlamat untuk memupuk semangat perpaduan di kalangan masyarakat berbilang bangsa di negeri Johor.

Kembara Mahkota Johor mempunyai beberapa konsep iaitu bermotosikal, menaiki bot (jelajah pulau), pacuan 4 roda (pedalaman), dan jelajah perkampungan orang asli.

Program Kembara Mahkota Johor ini menjadi lebih bermakna apabila DYMM Tuanku Sultan bersama keluarga baginda mencemar duli untuk bermalam di rumah penduduk kampung yang terpilih. Baginda seisi keluarga juga bersukan dan bermesra dengan setiap lapisan masyarakat tanpa mengira darjat dan kaum. Program ini juga memperlihatkan kesetiaan rakyat terhadap institusi diraja apabila masyarakat berbilang kaum dan lapisan sanggup berhujan dan berpanas untuk menunggu keberangkatan DYMM Tuanku Sultan dan berebut untuk bersalaman dengan DYMM Tuanku Sultan yang mereka kasihi.

Info Dari: http://www.kembaramahkotajohor.com.my/

Rich history behind state's royal awards

By Datuk Abdul Rahim Ramli

NSTP Johor Streets (2010/06/20)

Two prestigious awards conferred by the Johor Ruler in recognition of meritorious service.

Among the innovations Maharaja Abu Bakar introduced to Johor following his wide travels to England and Europe was the adoption of European court rites and culture.

This was part of Abu Bakar's forward thinking to modernise Johor and enhance her status as a premier state.

The Anglo-Johor Treaty signed between him and Queen Victoria's government on Dec 11, 1885 gave prominence to Johor as an independent state.

Abu Bakar himself was recognised as Sultan and sovereign of the state and its territories. This title absolved Abu Bakar from criticism that he was of nobility but not of royal blood.

Unlike other rulers of his time Abu Bakar did not wait for the British to tempt him with glittering baubles and titles. The British expansion plan was to exert influence and force Johor as the last of the states to come under its administration.

For 30 consecutive years Abu Bakar outwitted and outmanoeuvred the British. He literally took the battle to England and thus the Anglo-Johor Treaty was signed, ensuring non-interference from the British.

After moving his court from Telok Belanga to Iskandar Puteri in 1858, Abu Bakar set about to strengthen his government by forming a Jumaah Menteri consisting of 12 of his loyal and able followers, and a Dewan Negeri consisting of a further 12 members, including two from the Chinese community, to advise and assist him in managing the state.

He established a modern administrative system by setting up various departments including the police, courts, customs, treasury, health, education, survey, land and religion.

In fact his government was so efficient the British Governor reported to the Colonial Office that there was no justification in interfering in its affairs.

Abu Bakar found a way to reward his loyal ministers and officers.

Many of the posts they held were ascribed positions that carried the honorific Datuk, thus Datuk Menteri (Chief Minister), Datuk Bentara Dalam (Minister of the Interior), Datuk Bentara Luar (Minister for Land Development), Datuk Sri Setia (Commissioner of Police). Datuk Sri Amar DiRaja (Minister of External Affairs and Secretary of State), Datuk Penggawa Barat (Administrator of the Western Territories) and Datuk Penggawa Timor (Administrator of the Eastern Territories).

The honorific Datuk was used in the old Johor kingdom of the 15th century. Abu Bakar decided to perpetuate it by legal and physical means. Abu Bakar commissioned the Most Esteemed Order of the Johor Royal Family (DK) and the Most Honourable Order of the Crown of Johor (SPMJ and DPMJ). Both orders were conferred for the first time on July 31, 1886.

Among the first recipients of the DK were his siblings. The ministers were conferred the SPMJ and titled Datuk. The head of the powerful Ngee Heng Kongsi and member of the Dewan Negeri Tan Hiok Nee was the first Chinese to be awarded the SPMJ.

Abu Bakar, in his wisdom, embodied in the state Constitution of 1895 that the awards were to be placed on the highest pedestal of prestige and honour, with the Ruler having absolute right of conferring to those he recognised for their loyalty, leadership, meritorious service and contributions to the development of the state, and people with good character and high morals befitting a man of honour.

His son Sultan Ibrahim established the statutes and regulations for the awards in 1925 to further emphasise the Ruler's prerogative.

These criteria were used by Johor Sultans after him. In cases of doubt the nominees were referred to various government enforcement agencies including the police, the courts and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission for scrutiny and verification.

The wisdom of Abu Bakar is manifested in the limited number of awards being conferred. From the date of its inception in 1886 till now some 712 persons were conferred the datukship. Currently about 110 are still living. It is, therefore, ridiculous to say that if one throws a stone in Johor it most likely will land on a Johor Datuk.

Johor's Malay Datuks are by law members of the Council of the Supporters of the Country in confirming the heir as the next Sultan on the demise of a Ruler. This responsibility will test their loyalty and integrity.

It is imperative that before they accept the title they are to perform a solat sunah (non-obligatory prayer) and take the oath of sumpah syarie in renewing their obligations to Allah and be loyal to the Ruler and the state.

The imam reads the doa before and after the conferment, invoking Allah's benevolence to protect the recipients and keep them on the right path.

The motto Kepada Allah Berserah (Unto God Resigned) inscribed on the order's insignia is another reminder to the Datuk of his religious obligations.

With such heavy responsibilities and expectations, a Johor Datuk is duty- bound to be of best behavior and decorum and exhibit exemplary leadership qualities.

There was a saying that a Johor Datuk is berat alluding to the heavy responsibilities it carried. Once approved by the Ruler the palace normally sends out a letter of offer to the nominee.

If he feels he is unable to shoulder the obligations, the nominee can always turn down the offer. He will not be treated as having gone against the Ruler so long as his intentions are honourable.

Sejarah Ringkas Ghazal Johor

Ghazal merupakan satu kesenian tradisional masyarakat Melayu Negeri Johor yang popular dewasa ini.Pada peringkat permulaannya, seni muzik ghazal ini disebut sebagai qamat yang bererti nyanyian dan beriuh rendah dikatakan berasal dari Tanah Arab.

Pada akhir abad ke-19, apabila kerajaan Johor menjalin hubungan yang erat dengan kerajaan Riau-Lingga, beberapa orang dari golongan bangsawan Johor sering berulang-alik ke Riau. Mereka sering dihiburkan dengan permainan ghazal. Ada di antara mereka itu telah mempelajari kesenian ini dan memperkenalkan kesenian ini di istana Sultan Johor yang pada ketika itu berada di Teluk Belanga,Singapura. Di Istana Teluk Belanga, kesenian muzik ghazal ini telah mendapat perhatian daripada sultan, pembesar-pembesar negeri dan lain-lain golongan istana. Justeru itu, perkembangan ghazal ke peringkat rakyat jelata menjadi cepat dan pesat. Apabila pentadbiran Johor berpindah dari Teluk Belanga ke Tanjung Puteri, kesenian ini turut diperkembangkan dengan lebih pesat lagi di Tanah Besar Johor.

Perkembangan seni muzik ghazal di Negeri Johor sering dikaitkan dengan nama Allhayarham Datuk Bentara Luar, Mohd. Salleh Bin Perang. Semasa membuka daerah-daerah baru di Johor, Datuk Bentara turut juga memperkenalkan seni ghazal dimainkan di rumah-rumah penghulu dan juga pada hari-hari keramaian tertentu.Selain daripada Allahyarham Datuk Bentara Luar, ramai lagi pembesar istana yang turut menyumbangkan tenaga dalam memperkenalkan kesenian muzik ini. Di antaranya ialah Ungku Ahmad Bin Mohd. Khalid (Ungku Chik), Ungku Mohammed Bin Mohd. Khalid , Ungku Sulaimen Bin Daud, Ungku Abdul Aziz Bin Abdul Majid dan Encik Dapat.

Di tengah-tengah arus perkembangan seni muzik ghazal di Johor pada ketika itu muncullah Haji Musa Bin Yusof  (gambar) atau lebih di kenali dengan panggilan Pak Lomak. Pak Lomak adalah cucu kepada Datuk Bentara Luar. Sebagai seorang anak yang lahir di tengah-tengah keluarga mencintai seni ghazal, Pak Lomak tidak dapat memisahkan dirinya daripada seni ini. Beliau telah mempelajari seni muzik ghazal ini dengan begitu mendalam sekali. Ditinjau daripada sudut sejarah perkembangan seni muzik ghazal di Johor dari tarikh perkembangannya bermula dari tempat asalnya di Tanah Arab hingga ke zaman Pak Lomak, perkembangan seni muzik ini telah melalui satu penjelajah yang agak panjang dan mengambil masa yang lama.

Peralatan muzik ghazal pada mula-mulanya terdiri daripada Peti Harmonium, Biola, Gambus dan Tabla atau Do(Gendang). Kemudian alat-alat ini ditambah lagi dengan beberapa jenis alat muzik yang sesuai seperti gitar, kecepi Jepun, Keroncong dan Marakas. Setelah itu dicampurkan dengan alat muzik yang lain seperti ukeleli dan sebagainya tetapi oleh kerana terlampau riuh dan mengganggu serta boleh menghilangkan silau dan lemah lembut lagu-lagu Melayu maka alat-alat itu dibatalkan. Hanya alat-alat yang dinyatakan di bawah ini sahaja di gunakan sebagai Muzik Ghazal Melayu Johor yang tradisional iaitu:-

• Harmonium, alat muzik tradisional yang berasal dari India ini penting bagi Ghazal Melayu Johor.
• Satu set alat tabela (tabla) yang juga merupakan alat muzik yang berasal dari India . Yang kecil dinamakan Din dan yang besar dinamakan Bam.
• Gambus alat muzik yang berasal dari Timur Tengah ini merupakan alat muzik bertali yang perlu ada dalam Ghazal Johor.
• Gitar sejenis alat muzik yang perlu untuk permainan Ghazal Melayu Johor. Alat jenis bertali ini sebagai alat melodi atau rentak.
• Tamborin alat muzik perkusi yang menggantikan alat keroncong diperlukan sebagai alat tempo dan rentak.
• Marakas sejenis alat perkusi yang diperlukan sebagai alat rentak dan tempo.
• Violin alat muzik ini kecil sedikit daripada biola , tetapi biasanya disebut oleh orang-orang Melayu dengan sebutan biola sahaja. Alat jenis bertali ini adalah salah satu alat muzik dalam permainan Ghazal Melayu Johor.

Ruling justly and with compassion

Johor Buzz, NST, 28 March 2010

JUDGING by his first public speech since ascending the throne I could not help noticing that Sultan Ibrahim Ismail is proving to be his father's son. He has inherited the same tenacity and commitment as the late Sultan Iskandar.

Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Ismail departing on one of his Kembara Mahkota to meet the people. — Picture by Zulkarnain Ahmad Tajuddin

He also has the vision and wisdom of his royal forefathers for a holistic development of his state to benefit his people.

In his speech, he stressed on the need for transparency, accountability and integrity of the administrative machinery and putting the peoples' interest above personal gains.

At the same time, he wants his people to live in harmony and be supportive and have confidence in the government. These are reminiscent of the calls often made by Sultan Iskandar.

Although politics is outside the province of the royal family, Sultan Ibrahim is an intelligent student of world affairs. At a recent meeting with Singapore's Minister Mentor, Lee Kuan Yew, who paid a condolence courtesy call on him, Sultan Ibrahim stressed on strengthening the cordial bilateral relations between Johor and the republic that have existed since the days of the Temenggongs.

He is desirous that his people should be given priority in harvesting the fruits of development. He is echoing the call made by his great grandfather who once said Johor hendaklah jadi Johor (Johor for Johor) in the context of Johor's socio-political development in the early 1900s before the arrival of the first British General Adviser.

He is not being parochial but he wants Johor to be consulted and engaged in projects and he wishes to see more of his people holding the reigns of business and commercial development in his state.

I am fortunate to have served Sultan Ibrahim's father and grandfather before him. I noticed a common trait among them in their commitment to rule justly and with compassion. They were strict disciplinarians and would not compromise on integrity. They loved their people and bore malice towards none. Their concern for the well being of their subjects was the hallmark of their reigns.

Sultan Ibrahim is following their footsteps. He insists that we should not inconvenience the people in whatever we do. An example of his caring attitude is reflected in his decree that the wearing of mourning attire was voluntary. He also does not wish to inconvenience schoolchildren by having them line up along the route during his visits.

I was entrusted by Sultan Iskandar to groom the young Tunku Mahkota on the complexities of managing state affairs by having him attached to government departments and by keeping in close contact with the people.

His military training locally and at Fort Benning, and special forces training at Fort Bragg in the United States further broadened his knowledge and strengthened his discipline and mental toughness.

As the crown prince and later as regent, he toured Johor to personally monitor the various development programmes and have a first hand understanding of the livelihood and the difficulties and encumbrances faced by his subjects.

The annual Kembara Mahkota, his brainchild, is a continuity of the visits. He has promised the event will continue in the years to come.

He endeared himself to his people during the visits. He insisted on sitting cross-legged on the uncarpeted floor and eating with his hands the simple food prepared by village folk. He would visit the kitchen to personally thank the ladies who prepared the food, often asking for take-away, much to their delight.

He never passes up an opportunity to rub shoulders with his people. He graciously allows people from all walks of life to have their photographs taken with him.

And now Sultan Ibrahim will continue to touch base with his people.

Before embarking on these visits he arranges for detailed briefings by all departments and agencies to enable him to assess whether the execution of projects are indeed according to plan, and that his people benefit directly or indirectly from the projects.

He has a meticulous eye for detail and an inquisitive mind, and will often pose questions out of the ordinary.

Among his first priority is to ensure the preservation of the environment, especially the creation of green lungs and the cleanliness of towns and rivers.

The Istana Gardens and other landscaped areas are to be rehabilitated. He insists on environmental impact assessments before approval of projects. Heritage buildings, private and public, are to be restored to their former glory.

Informality and a reluctance to insist on the protocol his position demands are very noticeable in him. He dresses casually in polo or sport shirts that present an aura of friendliness that makes one feel at ease in his presence.

He has no immediate plans to move to Istana Bukit Serene, the official palace of Johor sultans, but prefers to stay in the century old Istana Pasir Pelangi, which he calls home.

For the record, his great-grandfather built the palace in 1911 and stayed there for the best part of his reign.

An accomplished horseman and polo player, sailor and pilot Sultan Ibrahim honed his skills at a young age, tutored and encouraged by his father. With discipline that is second nature and a competitive spirit, he is brimming with confidence and enthusiasm and injecting a sense of urgency into the bureaucracy.

Johoreans can look forward to exciting times under our new ruler.

Datuk Abdul Rahim Ramli is the secretary of the Council of Royal Court

Sultan maintains royal traditions

By Datuk Abdul Rahim Ramli NST, Johor Buzz, 22 March 2010

 

WHEN Sultan Ibrahim appointed his second son Tunku Idris Iskandar as Tunku Temenggong Johor on Feb 26, he fulfilled his desire to maintain royal traditions created by his forefathers.

Tunku Idris Iskandar kissing the hand of his father Sultan Ibrahim after his appointment as Tunku Temenggong Johor in Johor Baru on Feb 26

During the glory days of the kingdom of Johor in the 14th century, royal titles wereused to differentiate the ranks and responsibilities of princes and leaders. The more well-known titles were bendahara, te-menggong and laksamana.

A bendahara was someone who ruled the peasantry, the army and those who depended on the state. He was also known as prime minister. The population then consisted of "sea people" or islanders who fished or offered protection to merchant ships, land dwellers and agriculturists who collected forest produce.

Among the notables was Bendahara Tun Sekudai, who determined Johor's suzerainty over Negri Sembilan in the 15th century, and Bendahara Tun Abdul Majid Sri Maharaja, the founder of the Bendahara dynasty after the assassination of Sultan Mahmood in 1699.

A temenggong was a deputy and heir apparent to the bendahara. He was a minister of justice with a functionary duty to enquire and to seek out criminals, prevent oppression and punish transgressors. The urban area was the realm of the temenggong.

He was the minister in charge of defence, police and trade. In palace court, he was in charge of ceremonies and official functions.

The third officer was a laksamana, or admiral, in charge of the navy. The Dato' Laksamana Paduka Raja of the late 16th century was as swashbuckling and powerful in administering the Johor kingdom as was Laksamana Hang Tuah of 15th-century Malacca.

When the Bendahara dynasty was defeated by the Achenese and the Dutch, they fled to Riau. The new sultanate came under the control of the Bugis.

In 1760, there emerged among the Bugis princes Daeng Kechil, also known as Dato' Abdul Hamid, the father of Temenggong Abdul Rahman, the first of Johor's modern rulers. In 1816, Rahman settled in Singapore and was installed as Temenggong of Johor.

The title temenggong was last used by Abu Bakar, who later styled himself maharaja in 1866 and sultan in 1885. But he perpetuated the titles bendahara and temenggong by including them in the state Constitution.

Inexplicably, the title laksamana was not included, perhaps because the temenggongs had moved on to mainland Johor.

Sultan Ibrahim in 1927 through the Statute of the Palace and Sultan's Court redefined the roles of the offices.

The bendahara was nominally to act as grand court treasurer and exercised financial control over the accounts of the palace, and to ensure the crown jewels and insignia are kept in proper custody. Thus, the title had the prefix Aris, an Arabic word to mean custodian.

The duty of the temenggong was nominally as grand court controller to verify the accounts of palace expenditure. Their duties are now taken over by the comptroller of the royal household but the titles remain. The appointment is made by the ruler with the concurrence of the Council of Royal Court. Today, the Tunku Temenggong, being the son of the ruler, takes precedence over the Tunku Bendahara.

Tunku Abu Bakar, the second son of the late Sultan Ibrahim, was appointed as the first Tunku Aris Bendahara. He was the first Malay from Johor to obtain a degree from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, London, and was responsible for establishing the Animal Husbandry Institute in Kluang.

The title is now held by the present sultan's younger brother, Tunku Abdul Majid Idris.

The late Sultan Ibrahim also appointed his third son, Tunku Ahmad, as the first temenggong in modern times. Tunku Temenggong Ahmad was the last state commissioner for Muar from 1929 to 1936.

Sultan Abu Bakar made provisions for the appointment of an heir (Tunku Mahkota) of his first-born son, and an heir-presumptive (raja muda) to ensure his bloodline is perpetuated.

Other traditional royal titles include Tun, which was conferred by Sultan Iskandar on his sister, Tunku Maimunah. The title was formerly held by his mother Sultanah Ungku Tun Aminah.

He conferred the title Tunku Puteri on his eldest daughter Tunku Kamariah, the title formerly conferred by Sultan Abu Bakar on his daughter who was later known as Tunku Besar. Sultan Iskandar conferred the title Tunku Besar on his second daughter Tunku Zabedah.

Sultan Ibrahim plans to revive the traditional honorific of Orang Kaya to personalities who have contributed to the well-being of the community. The title was conferred by Abu Bakar on village headmen who had influenced the development of Johor.

Among them was Orang Kaya Abu Bakar for opening and developing Muar Padang (now mukim of Parit Bakar after his name), and Orang Kaya Bagan for helping Dato' Bentara Dalam build roads in Batu Pahat.

Abu Bakar conferred the honorific Major Cina on Tan Hiok Nee, head of the powerful Ngee Heng kongsi, and Kapitan Cina on Thye Seah Heng, head of the Sekudai Kangchu, and on Chua Tua Soon to look after Chinese affairs in Muar.

Datuk Abdul Rahim Ramli is the secretary of the Council of Royal Court

New reign begins with changes to old rules

08th March 2010 (NST, Johor Buzz)

By Dato Abdul Rahim Ramli

THREE cries of "Daulat Tuanku" reverberated through the crowd that had waited for the proclamation of His Royal Highness Sultan Ibrahim as the new Sultan of Johor Jan 23.

Earlier he took his oath of office witnessed by the Council of the Supporters of the Country that had unanimously agreed to appoint the heir as the new ruler upon the demise of Sultan Iskandar.

Traditions and rites practiced since the time of Sultan Abu Bakar dictate the proclamation of the new ruler is made before the funeral of the late sultan.

At 5pm the previous day the Council of Royal Court had appointed him as Regent after the testimony of three medical specialists who said Sultan Iskandar was incapacitated and could not perform the duties of a ruler. Sultan Iskandar passed away peacefully at 7.15pm on Jan 22.

The state anthem followed the proclamation read out by the Menteri Besar at 1.36pm. After the recital of the doa Sultan Ibrahim symbolically touched the royal coffin signaling the start of the funeral procession to the Royal Mausoleum at Mahmoodiah.

The pall bearers headed by the Raja Muda and the Tunku Bendahara and 10 male Kerabat inched slowly down the 30 steps of the Tangga Agong to the waiting royal hearse. The guard of honour of the Commando Unit gave the royal salute as the coffin was placed on the hearse.

The hearse that was used during Sultan Abu Bakar's funeral was pulled by 20 men of the Johor Military Force on the right and 20 Commando Unit officers on the left.

Sultan Ibrahim accompanied by the Sultans of Pahang, Selangor and Brunei and flanked by the prime minister and other dignitaries followed behind the hearse.

Sultan Ibrahim pledged to rule the state and his people justly and with compassion and uphold the sanctity of Islam and Malay customs and traditions.

In many ways he will consolidate the just reign of his father. His friendly disposition belies his desire for the development of his state for the benefit of his people, and that his government exhibits diligence and integrity in its delivery system.

He has directed the government to preserve the environment and upgrade cleanliness of the towns and practice the culture of maintenance.

He decreed Johor's age-old court traditions be revived and upheld for posterity. His wisdom in not discarding traditions but making innovations and improvements to enrich court practices and culture is inherited from his forefathers.

The ruler is styled as Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, Sultan and Sovereign of the State and Territories of Johor, a title that has been used since Sultan Abu Bakar. His Consort is styled as Yang Maha Mulia Raja Zarith Sofiah Bte Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah. Both of them are to be addressed as "Tuanku" during conversation.

Sultan Ibrahim wants his coronation ceremony to take place in one-and-a-half years time to allow for physical preparations and other related requirements. Johor is the first state to have a crown for its ruler but the coronation itself is customary and not a legal requirement.

As provided in the state Constitution the Sultan at the earliest possible time upon ascending the throne must appoint an heir. On Feb 4, the young Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim was appointed as heir and styled the Tunku Mahkota of Johor with the honorific Duli Yang Amat Mulia.

Sultan Ibrahim also decreed the title of his younger brother Tunku Abdul Majid Idris be changed to the traditional Tunku Aris Bendahara as used during the reign of his great grandfather Sultan Ibrahim.

Curtsey for ladies on being introduced to or taking leave of royalty is changed to executing a brief bob with the weight on the front foot at the same time lightly taking the extended royal hand.

Non-Malay lady guests are free to be dressed in their national attire. The so called forbidden colours of yellow, blue, and white will no longer be enforced. This is his wish not to inconvenience his guests.

The Sultan is now seen donning the Baju Telok Belanga the traditional Bugis way of dagang dalam and black trousers. This style was popularised by Sultan Abu Bakar.

Sultan Ibrahim is maintaining blue and white as the sovereign's colours as decreed by Sultan Abu Bakar and practiced by his forefathers, and that yellow is for other royals.

He has revived the use of his Royal Standard on his official cars, and other titled royals their colours. The Menteri Besar and Members of the Council of Royal Court are also to use their dedicated flags on official cars.

Royal protocol and decorum is to be observed. The use of the symbolic crown on letterheads and ciphers will be limited to the Sultan and his immediate family.

The use of the state emblem must conform to its laws. Associations that have been conferred with the honorific "Royal" will be audited to determine if their standards and performance commensurate with the status.

Sultan Ibrahim is a stickler for punctuality, arriving at functions well ahead of time. It reflects his desire for fast paced development and augurs well for his new reign.

Tunku Idris Dilantik Tunku Temenggong Johor

JOHOR BAHARU, 26 Feb (Bernama) -- Sultan Johor Sultan Ibrahim pada Jumaat mengisytiharkan pelantikan anakanda ketiga baginda, Tunku Idris (gambar), sebagai Tunku Temenggong Johor.

Pengisytiharan itu dilakukan Sultan Ibrahim semasa bertitah pada majlis sambutan Maulidur Rasul peringkat negeri di Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar, di sini.

"Sempena sambutan hari yang mulia ini, pada fikiran saya, adalah molek untuk saya melantik dan menjadikan anakanda Tunku Idris sebagai Tunku Temenggong Johor," titah baginda di hadapan kerabat diraja, pentadbir negeri dan seluruh rakyat yang hadir.

Berangkat pada sambutan itu, isteri baginda, Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris, Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail, Tunku Idris dan kerabat diraja yang lain.

Menteri Besar Johor Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman dan isteri Datin Prof Dr Jamilah Ariffin, Setiausaha Kerajaan negeri Datuk Abdul Latiff Yusof, barisan Exco kerajaan negeri dan pegawai-pegawai kerajaan, turut hadir.

Sultan Johor Sultan Ibrahim berkenan menyampaikan titah dan pengisytiharan anakanda ketiga baginda, Tunku Idris sebagai Tunku Temenggong Johor pada sambutan Maulidur Rasul peringkat negeri di Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar di Johor Baharu hari ini.

 

Tunku Idris, 22, yang berkhidmat dengan Pasukan Udara Tentera Darat (PUTD) pernah menempa nama dengan mengetuai lintas hormat enam pesawat udara sempena perarakan sambutan kemerdekaan peringkat negeri Perak pada 2007.

Lintas hormat itu menggunakan helikopter EC120 yang diiringi dua helikopter EC120 lain, sebuah pesawat jenis Socata TB10 dan dua buah pesawat Eagle 150B buatan Malaysia.

Sementara itu, Sultan Johor dalam titah ucapan baginda turut melahirkan rasa kesal baginda dengan sikap "kaki judi" beragama Islam di negeri ini yang tidak mempunyai perasaan malu dengan sanggup melakukan perbuatan syirik untuk mendapatkan kemewahan.

"Ada di kalangan kita yang melakukan pelbagai cara untuk mencari kemewahan hidup di dunia termasuk melakukan perbuatan syirik seperti kaki judi yang sanggup melangkah kubur untuk mendapatkan nombor ekor," titah baginda.

Baginda bertitah arahan sudah dikeluarkan kepada Jabatan Agama Islam Johor untuk mengambil tindakan tegas supaya rakyat di negeri ini tidak melakukan perbuatan yang bertentangan dengan agama.

Sultan Ibrahim turut menegur sikap jemaah yang tergesa-gesa meninggalkan masjid sebelum doa habis dibaca.

"Saya masih tidak faham, ada juga jemaah yang tergesa-gesa meninggalkan masjid sebelum doa selesai dibaca. Saya sudah minta Jabatan Agama Islam untuk memendekkan doa kepada Sultan supaya jemaah tidak perlu tunggu lama untuk melakukan urusan masing-masing tetapi masih lagi ada jemaah yang meninggalkan masjid.

"Doa sudah pendek, kalau dipendekkan lagi seolah-olah kita tidak mahu berdoa untuk dapat keberkatan dan hidayah dari Allah," titah baginda.

Sultan Ibrahim dalam pada itu turut mengingatkan pentadbir negeri, pegawai kerajaan dan wakil rakyat supaya menunaikan tanggungjawab dengan amanah, jujur dan ikhlas serta mengutamakan kepentingan rakyat berbanding kepentingan peribadi.

Rakyat juga perlu bertanggungjawab kepada kerajaan yang memerintah dan mensyukuri nikmat yang dicapai supaya negeri Johor terus membangun dengan maju, titah baginda.

-- BERNAMA

Sultan-sultan Johor Era Moden

- Kosmo, 24 Januari 2010

Bonda Sultan Johor Ziarah Makam Almarhum Sultan Iskandar

BONDA Sultan Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, Khalsom Abdullah menaburkan bunga dan air mawar di makam Almarhum Sultan Iskandar di Makam Diraja Mahmoodiah, Johor Bahru, semalam. Khalsom tiba di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Sultan Ismail (LTASI), Senai dari London pada jam 11.55 pagi semalam dengan menggunakan pesawat persendirian yang turut diiringi Tunku Abdul Jalil Sultan Ibrahim dan sepupunya Tengku Shakirinal Shah bersama isteri.

JOHOR BAHARU, 2 Feb (Bernama) -- Hajjah Khalsom Abdullah, bonda kepada Sultan Johor Sultan Ibrahim Selasa menziarahi makam Almarhum Sultan Iskandar di Makam Diraja Bukit Mahmoodiah di sini.

Hajjah Khalsom, 72, yang diiringi cucunda Tunku Abdul Jalil tiba di Makam Diraja kira-kira 2.30 petang untuk menziarahi makam Almarhum Sultan Iskandar yang mangkat pada 22 Jan lepas.

Terdahulu, bonda Sultan Johor itu tiba dengan pesawat khas Diraja Johor di Lapangan Terbang Sultan Ismail, Senai kira-kira 12 tengah hari dari Subang, Selangor. Hajjah Khalsom yang tiba di ibu negara dari London malam semalam.

Sejurus tiba, Hajjah Khalsom dibawa ke Istana Pasir Pelangi di sini untuk santapan tengah hari bersama-sama Sultan Johor.

Sultan Ibrahim dimasyhurkan sebagai Sultan Johor yang kelima pada 23 Jan lepas di Istana Besar, Johor Baharu berikutan kemangkatan ayahanda baginda sehari sebelum itu.

-- BERNAMA