Agong: I’m not an idol to be worshipped

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has reminded the public that he carries the trust of the Malay rulers in looking after the interests of the people and the country.

Accordingly, His Majesty said as soon as the “honeymoon” period is over, His Majesty will implement his real way of governing.

“I am not a statue to be worshipped or used as an ornament in a ceremony or to be forced to follow all the words and wishes of the minister.

“In less than two weeks, it will be two months since I held the reins of the head of state.

“When this honeymoon period is over... I will start my real way of governing,” said Sultan Ibrahim in conjunction with the awarding ceremony of the federal territories’ degrees, stars and medals at Istana Negara, today.

The king, however, did not elaborate further.

Short awards list

In a message on Facebook, His Majesty said that the awarding of awards, honours and medals is to recognise individuals who have served or contributed to the federal territories.

“I myself have examined every candidate prepared by the selection committee and this year I have decided that only 36 recipients deserve to be awarded,” said Sultan Ibrahim.

The Federal Territories awards from the Agong are usually bestowed on Feb 1 in conjunction with Federal Territories Day.

However, Sultan Ibrahim had asked for the event to be postponed to give him more time to vet candidates as he would have only been on the throne for one day as Agong on Feb 1.

Sultan Ibrahim was known for his firm standards in the awarding of honours, stars and medals in Johor.

Compared to other states, the number of recipients in Johor is usually small and awards are only issued after strict screening and monitoring to ensure that those selected are truly qualified.

Sultan Ibrahim took the oath of office as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong in a ceremony at Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur on January 31.

His Majesty was elected by the Malay rulers at the 263rd (Special) Meeting of the Council of Rulers at the Istana Negara, last October for five years to replace Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, whose reign as king had ended.

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