KUALA LUMPUR: Tough times ahead for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim-led unity government during the reign of Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar as the next Yang di-Pertuan Agong next year.
Speaking during Keluar Sekejap podcast, Tunku Mahkota of Johor (TMJ) Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim said that his father was a more hands-on ruler when it came to the best interests of the people.
Citing the present situation in Johor, he said that any decisions made by the Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, must be approved by the Johor Sultan, who would provide his honest opinion.
"He will be a no nonsense Agong, understanding but strict.
"When it comes to the national's best interest, he will not budge.
"I think he will perform similarly at Federal. He will be actively involved in maintaining a rapport with the Prime Minister and providing input, whether or not it is appropriate.
"He would want things to be executed, not only plans," he said during the podcast session with former Umno representatives Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan.
He also said that Johor Sultan was a detail-oriented person who had vast knowledge in various matters including agriculture, development, and even military.
He said that the Johor Sultan also understood the system, which he believes the government should be wary of.
"It is going to be a tough time for PMX (Anwar)," he added.
The Sultan of Johor has been elected as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a five-year term, effective Jan 31, 2024.
Sultan Ibrahim will replace Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah whose reign will end on Jan 30 next year.