SULTAN of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar will be hosting an Open House at Istana Pasir Pelangi on the second day of Hari Raya.
At an exclusive interview with New Straits Times at the palace, Sultan Ibrahim said it was customary for the royal household to spend the first day of Hari Raya with immediate family members, and the later part of the day with guests such as visiting foreign dignitaries and ministers.
"I hold our open house on the second day as I want my rakyat to spend the first day with their family members and relatives," said Sultan Ibrahim.
Also present during the interview were the sultan's wife Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah and children Tunku Makhota Johor Tunku Ismail, Tunku Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, Tunku Temenggong Tunku Idris, Tunku Abdul Jalil, Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tunku Abu Bakar.
Sultan Ibrahim said the menu for the Open House included Johor delicacies, especially the state's famous nasi beryani, grilled whole lamb, laksa Johor and a big variety of desserts.
All festive food will be served and there will be no daily favourites.
"There will also be satay and arisa (a unique Johor specialty, of Arabic origin, usually served to royalty and special guests at functions and celebrations.)
"I want my rakyat to have a feast."
Sultan Ibrahim admitted that he and his family were not big fans of fancy food, but instead preferred more modest fare.
"I think my children and I will be having noodles only... I don't take rice. Tunku Temenggong (pointing at Tunku Idris) only eats Maggi mee, while the rest enjoy mee Mamak," said Sultan Ibrahim in jest.
His children, who call him "Abah" and were seated around him for the interview, agreed in unison.
On the eve of Hari Raya, the royal family will be visiting Sultan Ibrahim's father's mausoleum.
He said it was a tradition for the family to pay their respects to the departed members .
The late Sultan Iskandar Sultan Ismail passed away on Jan 22, 2010.
Sultan Ibrahim said he bought the fabrics to be made into festive clothing for his wife and children. He said the royal family did not colour-coordinate or wear matching designs for Hari Raya.
"I buy the materials when I travel, and my family love what I choose," he said while Tunku Aminah showed the pink fabric for the baju kurung she was wearing, which was picked out for her by her father.
After the interview, the family posed in their outfits at the palace.
The open house will be from 9am to 3pm. The dress code is smart casual.
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