THE title Sultan Berjiwa Rakyat (Sultan with the people’s heart) is synonymous with Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, who not only loves his subjects but is approachable, and gets on well with people from all walks of life.
Sultan Ibrahim’s cheerful attitude and affectionate ways are endearing to the people.
Besides that, he is firm and fair, and was always concerned with the welfare of the people.
Batu Pahat District Officer Mohd Halim Hasbullah, said he holds Sultan Ibrahim in high regard as he has always cared about his people and the problems they faced.
“Sultan Ibrahim is an example to all civil servants. Many do not know this, but Tuanku often visits the people, discreetly, to find out about their hardships.
“And when a catastrophe or disaster befalls Johoreans, he would be among the first to contribute, be it financial aid or giving moral support,” he said.
Halim said Sultan Ibrahim was a wise leader who is in tune with the sentiment of the people.
“He ensures that civil servants carry out their responsibilities with dedication, especially when it comes to the comfort of the people.
“Cleanliness and beauty are among his main concerns,” he said, adding that Sultan Ibrahim would carry out surprise checks to monitor the level of cleanliness,” he said.
Halim said Sultan Ibrahim was the only leader who organised an annual Kembara Mahkota Johor (KMJ), which is into its 17th year.
“The KMJ tour enables the Sultan to visit all corners of every district and village in the state in a bid to build a stronger rapport with the local folk.
“During the convoy, the sultan gets to hear about the problems of the people and see their living conditions for himself.”