Giving a chance avoid the difficult choice

The posting using the quote of former American President George W Bush, "You are either with us or against us" got a decent traffic but attracted few negative reactions. One was too vulgar to be released in the commentary. Another was from Life of Annie here.

For someone, who follows politics diligently, her reaction was a surprise. W Bush was applying a manipulative political strategy called bandwagon. It is quite typical in politics, even in Malaysia. And, Dato Najib will eventually have to put UMNO members on that crossroad to consolidate himself.

Maybe the mention of W Bush was just too revolting. Nevertheless, the original posting title of Take no prisoners, Mr President sounded more brutal. Is politics not military in strategy and at times, has only a human facade?

Tun Dr Mahathir is a known practitioner of Sun Tzu's Art of War and Niccolo Machiavelli's Il Principe. The two works is nothing compared to W Bush.

It should be OK to Annie because he is a handsome 90 year old and watch Star War recently at the movie theatre.

Being the lady she is, Annie should be more touched with the way His Highness The Sultan of Johor puts it. "Give Najib a chance, says Sultan Johor" reads MMO headline dated December 27th.

Wonder how Annie will react to His Highness interview in The Star:

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Sunday, 27 December 2015

Johor Ruler: I’m above politics

by Wong Chun Wai and Nelson Benjamin

Sultan Ibrahim posing for a wefie with members of the public.

JOHOR BARU: Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has made it clear that he is above politics and does not favour any politician.

He also feels that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak should be given a chance as every Malaysian prime minister had also made mistakes in the past.

During an hour-long exclusive interview to wrap up the year, the Johor Ruler spoke emotionally on an array of issues, including his late son Tunku Laksamana Tunku Abdul Jalil, as well as his relations with the Prime Minister and former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He also spoke on the dangers of vaping and why it had to be banned immediately, describing it as a “technology drug” which was threatening the society.

The Sultan also touched on religious issues, including the huge budget for the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

The Star: Tuanku, we wish to express our condolences on the recent demise of His Highness Tunku Laksamana Tunku Abdul Jalil. How has the family coped with the event of the past weeks, if we may ask?

Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar: This has been a roller-coaster year for the family and me. The high points have been the coronation in March this year when I became the state’s fifth Sultan in the history of modern Johor. The last time a coronation ceremony took place was 55 years ago.

I also conferred the new title of Permaisuri Johor on my consort Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah at the coronation ceremony, which was another historic occasion.

In October last year, my eldest son, the Tunku Mahkota of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim ended his bachelorhood when he married Che’ Puan Khaleeda Bustamam.

But all these events took place against the backdrop of the difficulties the family was going through as we joined Tunku Jalil in his fight against his illness.

He was diagnosed while he was on a holiday with us in the United Kingdom in August last year. He was truly a fighter and a man of steel. While it was painful for him during the medical treatment, it was equally painful for us.

We are, after all, ordinary human beings too. I am a father like other parents in Johor. It crushed my heart each time I saw my son suffer, especially when I knew that he was dying. I had to be strong for him until the end.

But as my wife penned in a heartfelt letter which she has shared with Malaysians, sometimes things don’t go as we plan. No matter how painful, one needs to accept reality with an open heart.

(Tunku Abdul Jalil passed away on Dec 5. He had been diagnosed with stage-four liver cancer.)

I have kept all the text messages that he had sent to me. These are precious memories, which are very important to my family and me.

But we must accept fate and destiny. Allah has His reasons. 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.

On the ban of vaping

Q: Tuanku, on the subject of health, Your Royal Highness has ordered the ban on the sale of all vaping products in the state. What prompted Your Royal Highness to be so decisive?

A: I did my research and this is not our custom. Neither is shisha. I was shocked and disgusted when I saw women in headscarves and even children puffing away.

I realised that this was the beginning of a disaster and had to put my foot down as soon as possible. To me, this is a technology drug that will be harmful. Unlike drugs, this is difficult to detect.

I was fed up of the various authorities at both the state and federal levels, which could not decide on what to do. They were dragging their feet and some politicians were making silly remarks such as vaping should not be banned because a million votes would be lost and bumiputra interest would be affected.

I know what is good and I am firm that all this has to stop beginning Jan 1 next year. So far, all those opposing are doing it from a business stand. Do you not care about people’s health?

There are also those who oppose, including a “comedian in red” who has jumped into the issue to give their comments.

(Right-wing activist Abdul Rani Kulup Abdullah or Kipidap is a quirky character who is often seen wearing a red beret, and has made headlines for lodging more than 1,000 police reports against opposition politicians and NGO leaders.

He recently joined other Malay-based NGOs to say that Barisan Nasional risks losing a million votes in the next general election if the authorities continue the crackdown on e-cigarettes and vaporisers.)

It is purely a health issue and some mindless politicians are talking about politics and race, it’s incredible.

The media, including The Star, has been highlighting how even primary schoolchildren were spending their pocket money on vape products.

What I feared has taken place. The police have now arrested people who sold “ganja vape”. What is more worrying is that the syndicate has been in operation since August and has catered to its clientele via the Internet and sent their products via courier.

This is underground business. What would be the effects if Johor allows open sales in shopping malls, shoplots and pasar malam?

I can show the many e-mails and letters I have received from all over Malaysia, especially from parents, expressing their support for Johor’s decision to lead.

Now other states are also following suit and even the National Fatwa Council has declared vaping as haram.

To me, education and health should not be politicised.

Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar The Ruler dining at a restaurant in Muar, Johor. He later paid for his own food and also paid for all customers who ate at the restaurant that day.

On the strong remarks by Tunku Mahkota of Johor on social media

Q: Tuanku, this has also been a year when Johor found itself in the spotlight. The Tunku Mahkota of Johor has made strong statements on issues affecting the leadership and the country.

A: Yes, the TMJ has spoken up on the need to be transparent, accountable and credible but it was never directed at anyone.

He has his points. Whoever consumes chilli will surely rasa pedas (feel the heat). I do not argue with the TMJ about his comments as I do ask him about them and once he explains, I am fine with it.

But I always advise him not to hurt anyone. Based on his success in football, I think he has changed the face of football in the country. Not many people are happy with his success. His comments and hints seem to get support from the people. I go through Facebook and see the comments.

On the role of a Ruler and his authority

Q: Would that lead to the perception by some politicians that Tuanku has gone beyond your authority?

A: I am not a puppet in Johor. I have the right to call my mentri besar to tegur (advise) him at any time and others in my government as well. I am the one who appoints the state government. I have always put my rakyat’s interest first.

Let me give a history lesson here as it was my great-grandfather, the late Sultan Ibrahim, who gave money to start Umno and the first meeting was actually held at the palace in Johor.

Subsequently, his son, the late Sultan Ismail, as the regent of Johor at the time, inaugurated the Malay Congress on May 11, 1946 at Istana Besar in Johor Baru that led to the setting up of Umno.

Let me remind politicians who do not know history or are too lazy to read history books – Umno was born in the Johor palace grounds.

Where Umno is today began at the very palace grounds we are sitting on now. That’s the party history.

Sultan Ismail’s role was also recognised during a large parade held on June 8, 1946 to celebrate Britain’s success in regaining Malaya after Japan’s surrender.

That’s how the palace has taken up its responsibilities at crucial points of the nation’s history.

On Rulers as the custodians of Islam and Jakim

Q: Can Tuanku talk about the role of the Rulers as the custodians of Islam, given recent debate that some federal religious agencies appear to exert influence and authority onto this religious space?

A: We are the heads of religion in our own states. The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) can give advice or propose guidelines but it is up to us (Sultans) whether we want to accept it.

I have appointed a panel in the Johor Islamic Council. They come up with fatwas (decrees) for me to approve it. The fatwa cannot be effective without my approval. Sometimes I do question a fatwa and I want them to explain it, but Jakim has no right to interfere in the state.

Do you know that Islamic schools started in Johor before they were introduced to other states? We never had sekolah pondok but instead organised religious schools. Others are actually using our syllabus too.

Jakim reports to the Conference of Rulers and they usually advise the Federal Government.

I am curious to know – if it is true – why do they need a RM1bil budget? Does it include allocations to all the states? During my next Conference of Rulers, I want them to show me their breakdown for expenses. I want to know if they are financing our religious schools here.

On the Johor palace, the Prime Minister and ex-deputy prime minister

Q: Your Royal Highness, forgive us for asking this sensitive and delicate question, given the fact that Johor is now a political hotbed. The Johor palace statement, whether official or casually made on social media, has given the impression that you are critical of the Prime Minister or even not in favour of him.

A: No, I do not favour anyone. I never said I do not favour the Prime Minister. He is the Prime Minister whether you like it or not.

I must say that every prime minister has made his mistakes. To me, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is my former mentri besar and former deputy prime minister. He comes to see me via appointments. I allow this but I try to avoid talking about politics. He came to see me twice.

He does express his unhappiness. I listen and keep it to myself. I have also met up with the Prime Minister and avoid speaking to him about politics. Let the politician handle politics. I am above politics. If he (Prime Minister) needs advice, I am here as a friend.

The issue of whether you are from Johor does not arise.

Yes, I am outspoken. I speak my mind and I am happy that the message gets across.

The palace grants audiences to many leaders but it does not mean that after these visits, we are meant to endorse their leadership.

They are politicians but please do not abuse or misuse the good name of the palace. I am very proud of being a Johorean but that does not mean I must blindly support anyone from Johor. The people should also not make such deductions.

The Prime Minister is from Pahang, but he has also regularly updated me on development issues affecting the state. There are official visits by him which are widely reported in the press, but we also have quiet, informal meetings.

He is deeply concerned about issues affecting Johor because of our proximity to Singapore, which is a strategic partner to Johor. Both of us believe that Johor and Malaysia will benefit from the ongoing development and when the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore fast train is built, the benefits will be enormous.

I do not want to dig up the past nor do I wish to take a swipe at any politician, active or retired, but the Prime Minister understands and appreciates the need to work closely and not to repeat the past.

I find it hard to understand the rationale or irrationality of any Malaysian leader who wants Malay­sia to quarrel with Singapore. It’s what I called crooked thinking.

There is so much we can learn from Singapore. They have done well, let’s be honest here. We don’t have to go on expensive study trips to Europe or the United States – just go across the Causeway to Singapore, they have done so many things that are correct and efficient.

I know the Prime Minister has come under much criticism but I say give him a chance. The year has come to an end, we must move on. It has been a challenging year for everyone, including myself. There are issues that still need to be tackled, that need to convince the people, that need answers, but I must say that they also need closure.

Every one of us makes mistakes but we must be prepared to learn from them, make amends and do what is right. Right what is wrong.

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Monday, 28 December 2015

Sultan Ibrahim: I have a vision for Johor

JOHOR BARU: Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has a vision to transform the state capital into a boutique city and financial hub.

He said he wants to personally attract investors to the state, not only from China but the Middle East to start projects in Johor.

"My strategy now will be to market and get investors to build. I also want to bring investors to the islands off Johor. I have a vision for Johor," he said in an exclusive interview with The Star.

Q: On the subject of development in the state, what are your hopes and what should be focused on?

A: The government must give incentives to developers to spur development. My advice to the state and federal governments is, be consistent to attract long-term investors. You should not have a policy during good times and another during the bad. Do not make policies without engaging the public or deve­loper associations.

I know there is a slowdown now. Banks should be more relaxed towards developers and banks should also grant loans to people to buy homes. Unfortunately, banks are not doing much to help developers.

The shape of things to come: Sultan Ibrahim viewing a replica model of Coronation Square after launching the IIBD and Coronation Square at the Persada International Convention Centre in Johor Baru. — Bernama

Whatever you say about a slowdown in Johor, there is still a market and the huge Forest City project, which was launched recently, for example, has started selling.

I also just launched Coronation Square and the Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD). These are exciting projects, as the IIBD will enable Johor Baru to achieve world city status and metropolis status soon.

These projects, spearheaded by the Johor Corporation, cover about 100ha of prime real estate in the city.

Of this zone, about 2.53ha will be turned into Coronation Square, which will comprise medical suites, blocks of serviced apartments, an office tower and a hotel.

I expect this strategic development to change the face of Johor, including a major increase in population.

I am sure there will be huge multiplier effects as ordinary Johoreans will be able to enjoy the spillover effects, especially for small businesses in the retail and food and beverage sectors. Surely, hundreds of thousands of new jobs will also be created.

I want Johor Baru to emerge as a boutique city and financial hub in the future.

I will be travelling soon after my mourning period and will start bringing in investors directly into Johor – not just the Chinese but also investors from the Middle East.

Bustling capital: New development projects are in the pipeline to transform Johor Baru into a boutique city and financial hub. Bustling capital: New development projects are in the pipeline to transform Johor Baru into a boutique city and financial hub.

During my next Kembara Mahkota, I will bring investors to all my other districts, including Muar. My strategy now will be to market and get investors to build. I also want to bring investors to the islands off Johor.

That is why incentives are important to lure investors. I have a vision for Johor.

Q: Tuanku, recently the name of the state administration capital Nusajaya was changed to Iskandar Puteri, while Kulaijaya was changed back to Kulai and Ledang to Tangkak. Any reasons for the sudden name changes?

A: What was Kulai’s original name? Why add Jaya to the back of these names (Kulaijaya and Nusajaya)? I discussed with my Mentri Besar and my Council of Royal Court and there is no such thing as Nusajaya.

The first name given to Johor Baru in those days was Iskandar Puteri, but the late Sultan Abu Bakar replaced it with Johor Baru in 1866. Iskandar Puteri is full of history and suitable to replace Nusajaya. That is why I want the original names back, including Tangkak.

Also, the changes in name were made without consulting my late father or me. Why were we not consulted? Even when they wanted to house the government buildings in Iskandar Puteri (Nusajaya), we were not consulted.

I remember my late father asking the previous Mentri Besar about the area and he only said they were constructing additional buildings because Johor Baru was too congested. Now, government buildings are housed in a noisy area opposite a firing range in Singapore.

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Monday, 28 December 2015

Johor Ruler: Single stream education system the way to improve language skills

by Wong Chun Wai and Nelson Benjamin

JOHOR BARU: The level of English among the people is deteriorating and something needs to be done to stop the rot. That is the opinion of Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.

The Sultan has always felt the need to have a single stream education system instead of the present three types of schools – national, Chinese and Tamil.

In this second part of an exclusive interview with The Star, the Ruler speaks on a range of issues, including development projects in the state and economic assistance for developers and house buyers.

He also speaks about his vision for the state, the reasons for the recent changes in names of districts in the state and his hopes for 2016.

Q: Tuanku, the level of English is deteriorating and Malaysia is fast becoming a country where the young are unable to converse in proper English while members of the older generation ar better at the language as they attended English schools. In most other countries, the trend is the opposite. What are your comments?

A: Yes, I agree. If you realise, most government officers nowadays are unable to speak or write good English. That is why I am not in favour of the present three types of schools (National, Chinese and Tamil).

Nowadays, there are Chinese and Tamil students who do not know how to speak Malay and of course, Malay students who can’t speak English.

In those days, English schools were regarded as “neutral ground”. All races attended these schools. During my time, it was a must to know both Malay and English.

But now, when you teach Mathematics, Geography and History in Malay in schools, students are at a loss when they have to read books in English in universities. How can you be a scientist when your English is so bad?

That is why I speak to my children and wife both in English and Malay at home but converse in Malay when I meet my rakyat. The previous generation spoke English beautifully.

Yes, English is in danger of becoming the language of the older people while the young cannot speak English proficiently. In countries such as France, Spain and China, young people are speaking English.

It is the reverse in Malaysia. I am alarmed. So, how can we improve the situation?

No one should politicise education and health issues. I am worried for the education standards in this country. Please wake up! 

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Monday, 28 December 2015

A home for every Johorean

A place to call home: Visitors admiring a model of the Projek Sentuhan Kasih Felda housing scheme at Felda Tenggaroh 3 in Mersing, Johor.

The Star: Finally, Your Royal High­ness, what are your wishes for 2016?

Sultan Ibrahim: I hope my state government’s finances do not go back into the red. I congratulate my Mentri Besar (Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin) for ensuring that Johor was able to amass a huge surplus during my rule in the last five years. He is a fast learner.

I always tell him to run the state like he is running a company. He must not only be a good businessman but also have the discipline of a soldier when administering Johor.

But during an economic slowdown, we have to be fighters. That is why we need more attractive incentives and stimuli to lure investors.

We must also concentrate on building more affordable homes to bring back all the communities, including the Malays, Chinese and Indians, into our town.

I also want all civil servants to own homes in our town areas.

I also want to remind developers not to set their selling prices too high, which will result in people not being able to buy homes.

With the Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD), we will become a financial hub and there will be no need to open hazardous factories.

My wish is for the government to have a relook at all the heavy industries in Pasir Gudang. Find out which industries consume too much water resulting in my rakyat facing water shortages in some areas.

We also need to look at our dangerous industries as I have been told that if a certain factory leaks, it will pose a threat to people living within a 25km radius.

So, it is time to look for the government to reconsider these dangers as Johor is not a dumping ground.

My people’s safety and health is my paramount priority.

I do not want a chemical disaster like the one in Bhopal, India, which claimed thousands of lives in the past.

I also want to start the Sultan Ibrahim Foundation to construct affordable houses for my people. A working paper is being drawn up and our main aim is not to make money.

That means whatever the cost we use to build, that is the same price we will sell it at to the people.

This foundation is aimed at looking after Bangsa Johor as I want each Johorean to own a home. I am very concerned about the problems faced by the people due to rising costs of living.

I hope our politicians will devote their time and energy to deal with the bread and butter issues.

The rakyat is having a difficult time coping with the increasing cost of food, transport and other essential items.

My advice to the politicians, especially those from Johor, is to be sensitive to the needs of the people. Please do not waste time creating news headlines for the wrong reasons. Stop racist and religious rhetoric and work for the people.

For sure, I hope the politicians will not sow distrust and suspicions among the people by using such sensitive issues to fan uneasiness and tension. We must remain united to face the economic and political challenges.

I do not want politicians to use race or religion to exploit the sentiments of the people to cover their incompetence.

Let me warn them that if any of these politicians are from Johor, whether in government or opposition, I will personally summon them to give a piece of my mind.

I want the people of Johor to remain united and not to let anyone split them. The people of Johor must place priority on stability and unity.

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That is High Highness's view and aspirations.

Being in the position to do something, give him a chance. For those with a different view, they could give the support by sharing their concerns so that any remedial actions and pre-emptive measures could be done.

It is the same wise attitude His Highness had taken for Najib: 

"The year has come to an end, we must move on. It has been a challenging year for everyone, including myself. There are issues that still need to be tackled, that need to convince the people, that need answers, but I must say that they also need closure.

Every one of us makes mistakes but we must be prepared to learn from them, make amends and do what is right. Right what is wrong."

If given the chance, there is no need to make a choice between with or against us. Wise reply to the difficult choice. But, how will that one person response to the Sultan's call, asked Rocky Bru.