The Crown Prince of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, was today appointed Regent of Johor during the absence of the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar from the state beginning tomorrow until May 3.

The declaration of the appointment by Sultan Ibrahim was read out by the Johor Council of Royal Court president Abdul Rahim Ramli at the proclamation ceremony of the Regent at Istana Bukit Serene in Johor Baru.

The appointment was made upon the advice of the Royal Council under Clause 9 (1) (c) and (3), Part One of the Johor state constitution 1895.

It enables Tunku Ismail to perform the duties of administrating the state following his father's departure to Vancouver in the province of British Columbia, Canada, for an official visit.

The Johor Sultan was invited to visit British Columbia by its Lieutenant Governor, Judith Guichon on March 23 at the launch of the Menara Bank Rakyat model in Johor Baru.

Sultan Ibrahim said he was confident of his son's ability to perform his duties as well as administer the state, and described it as a preparation for Tunku Ismail to become a ruler.

Also present at the ceremony were Johor Tunku Temenggong Tunku Idris Iskandar as well as Johor Tunku Panglima Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Others present were the state exco members and Johor state secretary Ismail Karim.

- Bernama