Sultan of Johore waives protocol to dine with rakyat, the second time. Daulat Tuanku!!

The Sultan of Johore, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, today entered a crowded eatery in Muar and gave all the patrons of Restoran Ansari a treat.

With a white sash on his songkok, the Sultan waived formalities aside and ate with the rakyat.

Without any frills or fuss and in the absence of any protocol, Sultan Ibrahim ordered his food and sat down to dine with his subjects, as seen on the ruler's Facebook page.

The post, uploaded at 8.00 am, already had 3,204 shares and 31,091 likes at the time of writing.

The Sultan not only treated the diners, but also paid the proprietor of the eatery to deliver free food to everyone for the rest of the day.

Facebook user, Azira Fadzil, lauded the gracious gesture of the Sultan.

Azira said although she was not a Johorean, she was a big fan of the Johore royal family.

"I feel so proud that the state has a ruler like Sultan Ibrahim, and hope that when I am in Johore next month, I can bump into Tuanku", she wrote.

Another user, Fazidah Husin, hailed the Sultan as the best in the country.

"Tuanku's action and character alone makes me want to be a Johorean, as the ruler clearly has the rakyat in his heart.  I pray for the Sultan and the Permaisuri Johore to have good health, " Fazidah said.

Facebook user Azira Fadzil lauded the gracious gesture of the Sultan.

Read More : http://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/12/117890/sultan-johor-waives-protocol-dine-rakyat

The Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar today entered a crowded eatery here and gave all the patrons of Restoran Ansari a treat. With a white sash on his songkok, the Sultan waived formalities aside and ate with the rakyat. Without any frills or fuss and in the absence of any protocol, Sultan Ibrahim ordered his food and sat down to dine with his subjects, as seen on the ruler's Facebook page. The post, uploaded at 8am, already had 3,204 shares and 31,091 likes at the time of writing. The Sultan not only treated the diners, but also paid the proprietor of the eatery to deliver free food to everyone for the rest of the day. Facebook user Azira Fadzil lauded the gracious gesture of the Sultan. Azira said although she was not a Johorean, she was a big fan of the Johor royal family. "I feel so proud that the state has a ruler like Sultan Ibrahim, and hope that when I am in Johor next month, I can bump into Tuanku," she wrote. Another user, Fazidah Husin hailed the Sultan as the best in the country. "Tuanku's action and character alone makes me want to be a Johorean, as the ruler clearly has the rakyat in his heart. I pray for the Sultan and the Permaisuri Johor to have good health," Fazidah said.

Read More : http://www.nst.com.my/news/2015/12/117890/sultan-johor-waives-protocol-dine-rakyat

HRH the Sultan of Johor is also a fan of K-Pop.

Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, posing with members of the K-pop group T-ara, who performed at his week-long coronation celebrations, recently.

Can't wait to hear what those religious bigots out there going to say about this. Salam GST 1Msia!

There is always a first time, I guess.

Ouch! It must have hurt bad for Chua Soi Lek

The Sultan of Johor wants all parties, to stop bickering about Datuk Tee Siew Kiong’s appointment as the state executive member.

A statement issued by Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar via his private secretary Jaba Mohd Noah said – “Tee’s appointment as an executive member was the Sultan’s choice and it was his right to choose his line-up of the state executive council members under Phase 4 Section II of  the Johor State Constitution 1895.

 

“All parties including MCA party members and leaders are asked to respect Sultan Ibrahim’s decision (of appointing Tee) and should stop questioning his capacity as the Sultan of Johor.

 

Sultan Ibrahim appointed Tee, as he wanted a representative from all the races to represent his multi-racial subjects.

 

Also stated was that Sultan Ibrahim is not required to seek anyone’s opinion or suggestion before appointing his preferred state executive council members' line-up, nor does a need arise for him to explain the reason he appointed Tee.

 

“Whatever issue pertaining his (Tee’s) political party should stay within the party, and his appointment by the Sultan of Johor, as an executive council member should never be questioned or politicalised.

 

“Even though he is sacked from his political party,  he is still an executive council member appointed by the Sultan of Johor.

 

“Any action taken by his political party and party leaders towards him (Tee) are their prerogative and their internal affair. 

 

The Sultan of Johor do not wish to interfere in the affairs of any political parties, and also do not want any political parties to interfere in his State affairs.

 

Sultan Ibrahim wishes that his subjects stay united, and their welfare will always be the state’s priority despite their belief or race.

 

Sultan Ibrahim has instructed that all parties stop arising issues with Tee’s appointment.

 

Tee's appointment was the decree of the Sultan of Johor, to enable a Chinese to represent the community in the state administrations.

 

 

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The above statement by HRH Sultan of Johore must have been a real slap in the face of Chua Soi Lek.

At last, here is one royalty who is not afraid to speak up

Negri Sembilan prince lends voice to Page

Tunku Zain Al-Abidin Tuanku Muhriz showed his support today for the fight to retain the teaching and learning of science and mathematics in English (PPSMI), along with other parents’ groups.

Tunku Zain (picture), who is the second son of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, is also the founding president of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (Ideas), a libertarian think tank dedicated to promoting market-based solutions to public policy challenges.

“This campaign is not about being elitist. It is about respecting the rights of parents, rich or poor, who think that their children’s futures are best served by giving them a say.

“It is also not about the superiority of one language over another; rather it is about an overriding democratic principle. The idea that parents can shape the education of their children, and that government policies must always allow as much choice to parents as possible,” he said at a Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia (Page) press conference here at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Memorial.

The prince said he had been warned not to speak on this issue as it is considered sensitive and “too political”.

“I have ignored their advice. This issue is too important, at the cost of short-, medium-, and long-term consequences for our children, for our families and for our nation.

Tunku Zain also pointed out that a poll on Facebook showed that more than 6,000 students prefer mathematics and science to be taught in English, while 213 others preferred Malay.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin waded into the fierce debate over the use of English in the teaching of science and mathematics in school, saying Malaysians cannot afford to “sacrifice” Bahasa Malaysia for other languages, last month.

Muhyiddin, who is also education minister, said that while the government recognised the importance of English as an international language, Bahasa Malaysia will continue to be used as the main medium of instruction in national schools.

He said Malaysians needed to cultivate an attitude where they treated Bahasa Malaysia as a “unique” language, and if no importance was placed on it, the language risked becoming obsolete.

The DPM also stressed that as far as the government was concerned, Bahasa Malaysia will continue to be used as the main medium of instruction for science and mathematics in schools.

Pro-English lobby groups like Page have sought the reinstatement of the teaching of science and mathematics in English since it was abolished in 2009.

Page has urged that schools be allowed to teach science and mathematics in English, citing widespread support from parents who are in favour of it.

PPSMI was first introduced in 2003 but the Education Ministry decided to put an end to it by 2012 after consulting teachers and parents around the country.

In the uproar that ensued, Putrajaya introduced MBMMBI, which will see the teaching of mathematics and science revert to Bahasa Malaysia from 2012 with more contact hours for English in order to improve students’ skills in the language.

In May, The Malaysian Insider reported that the Najib administration had decided not to switch back to PPSMI because several Cabinet ministers felt any change would be seen as another embarrassing flip-flop.

“It is important to have stability in our policies. There have been so many flip-flops in recent times and this is damaging and it is in fact immoral I would say, and economically damaging to let the next generation of Malaysians be the victims of these political games,” the prince said.

Tunku Zain said Ideas was inspired by Almarhum Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj and in his time, he said he was a strong advocate of the use of English in education.

“He also said education, at whatever level, can make or unmake a man, or a woman. In the same way, it can make or unmake a nation. Our leaders are well aware of it and they make sure their children receive the best education possible.

“In contrast, boys in the kampungs do not have the same opportunities. My job is to give them the best possible education,” he said.

Like his older brother, Tunku Zain received his primary education at the Alice Smith School before boarding at Marlborough College in Wiltshire, England.

[Source: The MI]

And while all this is going on, our children continue to suffer. What our nation need are visionaries who can bring the country to the fore amongst nations, not some dimwit racist politicians where their main concern is to stay in power come what may.

Statement by HRH Sultan of Selangor re: DUMC case

We, the Head of the Religion of Islam in the State of Selangor, take great concern over the actions by the Enforcement Division of the Selangor Department of the Religion of Islam (Jais) which carried out a search at the Thanksgiving Dinner event which was held at Hall 3, Dream Centre Complex, Section 13, Petaling Jaya on Aug 3, 2011.

We hope that the people of Selangor, regardless of race and religion, do not misconstrue and dispute the actions of Jais before knowing exactly the true facts of the actions taken.

As the State Department responsible for the enforcement of Islamic Laws in the State, Jais has the heavy task of ensuring that the Religion of Islam in Selangor is always protected and given prestige, in line with its position as the Religion of the State of Selangor under Article XLVII of the Laws of the Constitution of Selangor, 1959, as well as the religion of the Federation under Clause (1) Article 3 of the Federal Constitution.

Jais has submitted to Us the full report of the search carried out at the Dream Centre Complex, Section 13, Petaling Jaya as well as the subsequent actions taken by Jais. We have thoroughly read in detail the said report and We are satisfied that the actions of Jais were correct and did not breach any laws enforceable in Selangor.

The actions of Jais are in line with the jurisdiction provided under Syariah Criminal Procedure (State of Selangor) Enactment, 2003, Syariah Criminal (State of Selangor) Enactment, 1995 and Selangor Non-Islamic Religions (Control of Propagation Amongst Muslims) Enactment, 1988.

The Religion of Islam as practiced in Selangor is one of tolerance. Muslims are always encouraged to respect the believers of other religions. However, persons or parties cannot take the opportunity to spread other religions to Muslims. This is in line with Clause (1) and (4) Article 11 of the Federal Constitution and Selangor Non-Islamic Religions (Control of Propagation Amongst Muslims) Enactment, 1988, which prohibits the spread of other religions to Muslims.

Article XLVII of the Laws of the Constitution of Selangor 1959, Clause (1) Article 3 and Clause (1) Article 11 of the Federal Constitution have given the freedom to believers of other religions to practice their beliefs in peace and harmony. This freedom has been practised in harmony in this State. We wish that this harmony, which has existed for a long time, will continue to exist. Protect your rights and religion and do not attempt to subvert the belief and faith of Muslims.

Based on the investigations by Jais, there is evidence that there were attempts to subvert the faith and belief of Muslims but that the evidence obtained would be insufficient for further legal actions to be taken. Therefore, after carefully deliberating the report by Jais and after obtaining advice from religious authorities and legal experts, We are in agreement that there would be no prosecution against any parties.

Even so, We command that Jais provide counselling to Muslims who were involved in the said dinner, to restore their belief and faith in the Religion of Islam. We also command Jais to carry out preaching to Muslims in a more regular and organised manner so that their belief and faith towards Islam is protected and enhanced.

We hope that after this, any and all activities being carried out or which are going to be carried out for the purposes of spreading other religions to Muslims in Selangor must be ceased immediately and no further activities or anything similar to them are carried out in the future.

We, the Head of the Religion of Islam in the State of Selangor, are gravely concerned and extremely offended by the attempts of certain parties to weaken the faith and belief of Muslims in the State of Selangor. We command that Majlis Agama Islam Selangor (Mais) and Jais always conduct thorough observations and to take necessary actions without hesitation in line with the jurisdiction allowed under the law.

We also wish to take this opportunity to thank all parties who were concerned with this issue and to those who have given their cooperation and undivided support to Jais.

H.R.H. Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj

The Sultan of Selangor

Let me tell you why the Queen wearing yellow when granting an audience to Najib was not a coincidence or a faux pas

Let me tell you why Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II wearing yellow when granting an audience to our Prime Minister and his wife was not a coincidence or a faux pas. As much as UMNO would prefer to think otherwise.

Fact 1. The Queen, contrary to popular belief, is very much well-informed. She is constantly kept abreast of the latest developments and news pertaining to her realm and her government by her team of palace advisers, secretaries and civil servants. They, in turn, gather their information from various sources, including ministries, government departments, Scotland Yard, 10 Downing Street, and members of the press corp in the UK. (Scotland Yard, knowing that the Queen would be granting an audience to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, would have certainly informed the Palace of the many demonstrations in London by Bersih 2.0 supporters.)

When a visiting dignitary is scheduled to meet the Queen, she is always fully briefed on the background of her visitor, the current situation of her visitor's home country, and the DO's and DON'T's to observe. Particularly, she would be informed of developments in her own realm regarding the visitor. Scenes in London like the one in the photo below would not have escaped Her Majesty's team of advisers, who in turn would have briefed the Queen. So, to assume that she was not aware of Bersih 2.0 is untenable.



Fact 2. Royal wardrobe and fashion is strictly regulated, and the Queen and members of the Royal Family are always careful not to make any fashion faux pas or distress their guests. Her advisers would have advised her to stay away from wearing yellow, and explained the significance of the colour in present circumstances. As Sarawak Report suggests, “she MUST have been informed of the sensitivity of the colour yellow”.

My friend (and fashion writer) Sasha Bashir commented at my facebook, “I have read in several write ups about Princess Diana's wardrobe that English royals are always briefed on current issues and what colours should and should not be worn. One I can remember is that she visited some country where they had just lost an important football match and the whole country was upset about it. The baju she was going to wear at state formal dinner was same colour as flag of the other country, so she had to change her wardrobe plans. Kate Middleton is also following this kind of thing. On her trip to Canada recently, she wore white dress, red shoes and red maple leaf hat. Canada flag is red, white with maple leaf. The royals are not supposed to be fashion icons (even though people like Princess Di and Kate are), they are to be fashion diplomats. :)”

Fact 3. Besides attending public events, state dinners, receiving dignitaries and horse races, the Queen actually does paper work! Yes, Her Majesty, like many of us, has her daily duty of working at one of her many desks reading and signing state papers and official documents (often classified as secret). British fastidiousness with information and intelligence gathering is well-known. Her cache of papers would most definitely have included confidential dossiers on Najib Razak and Malaysia. And Bersih 2.0.


Copyright Press Association Images

Fact 4. Besides official papers, she also reads the newspapers. Knowing that she would be meeting the Prime Minister of Malaysia, an article in The Guardian, a respected British newspaper, with the headline "Malaysia's Najib must abandon the Mubarak model", would surely have caught her eye.

Fact 5. The Queen meets her Prime Minister once a week, every week. It would have been incumbent upon David Cameron to apprise the Queen of Najib Razak and Malaysia, in view that he would be visiting the UK on an official trip. News of the Bersih 2.0 rally in Kuala Lumpur, being reported globally the same week the Queen had her weekly meeting with David Cameron, would most definitely have been a topic of conversation. It is also a practice for the British Prime Minister to advise the Monarch on how to appropriately respond to political situations of the day, since she is constitutionally apolitical.

Did Cameron therefore gently suggest that the Queen wear yellow as a message to our Prime Minister and also to the people of Malaysia? Where Cameron could not publicly chastise Najib, the Queen could, with regal aplomb, send a strong message?

Fact 6. The Queen is a politically astute woman who has seen twelve British prime ministers serve under her reign, the list starting with Winston Churchill, no less! Her vast experience in international relations and diplomacy is unchallenged and she would thoroughly understand the subtleties and symbolism attached to what one says and what one wears. To assume that Her Majesty has no political acumen is completely ludicrous.

Fact 7. Everything the Queen does is planned in advance and takes into consideration all factors. Everything has a reason, even right down to the colour of the flowers in her audience chamber! Nothing is coincidental, random or arbitrary where the Queen of the United Kingdom is concerned.

[Source: Being Vernon]

Our King and Queen at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton

I wonder whether Najib has instructed his Foreign Affairs Ministry, or the Malaysian High Commission in London to inform the UK government that there should be no display of crosses or crucifixes, nor the singing of Christian hymns due to the presence of their Majesties. It is a great surprise that people like Ibrahim Ali, Yusri Mohamed of PEMBELA and the enlightened Mufti of Perak did not make an issue out of this event. Food for thought, though.

Who's disrespecting the King here?

Let’s get one thing straight. The Agong or any of the Malay Rulers may have a special position under the Constitution but they are not God.

For God-fearing Malaysians, only the Almighty is infallible. With that concept set out (for the benefit of Utusan Malaysia and its English cousin, The Star) I would like to address the current debate on whether Teoh Beng Hock’s family have disrespected the Agong by not being party to the Royal Commission of Inquiry.

Former judge Shaik Daud says the family has disrespected the institution. I don’t think so because it was always going to be possible for them to walk away from a commission hearing they did not institute (done by government) or agree with.

If we are to accept Shaik’s argument, should we also say that the governments of Abdullah Badawi and Najib Razak have disrespected the Agong because they did not implement fully findings of the royal commission on the police or the findings of the VK Lingam commission?

In fact, it seems to me that the Agong should be angry with the government because whenever they find themselves in a bind, they go for an RCI but are very lame-willed about implementation.

By doing so, they have made the RCI a laughing stock. In the Teoh case, the RCI is stocked with judges and government officials.

So I do wonder who is really disrespecting the Agong?

[Source: Jacob Sinnabathy/The Malaysian Insider]