Analysis: Johor crown prince’s upcoming Regent stint a chance to show leadership, refine governance skills
Like his father, Tunku Ismail is known to be an outspoken leader who is brazen and direct in voicing out his views. Analysts expect him to continue doing so as Regent.
Tunku Ismail (left) and his father Sultan Ibrahim during an investiture ceremony at Istana Besar Johor Bahru on Nov 22, 2023. (Photo: Facebook/Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar)
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JOHOR BAHRU: Johor's crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s upcoming stint as Regent of the state will be a good opportunity for him to demonstrate his leadership aptitude and ability to rule, say analysts.
Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar announced on Wednesday (Nov 22) that he will “hand over the reins of the state government” to Tunku Ismail who will serve as Regent while he becomes Malaysia’s Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a five-year term from January next year.
Political analyst James Chin, who is a Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania, told CNA that in his upcoming capacity as Regent, which will be the longest period he serves in that capacity so far, Tunku Ismail will “want to prove that he is up for the job (of being ruler one day)”.
“He has to prove that he is capable of defending Johor’s interests but more importantly he is a strong supporter of Bangsa Johor, which is the legacy of his forefathers,” he added.
Bangsa Johor is an identity and concept fostered among Johoreans by the royal family, in which it said that all the different races have played a key role in developing the state.
Political analyst Dr Azmi Hassan of the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research said Tunku Ismail, in his stint as Regent, will have the opportunity to refine and put in practice “skills, knowledge and know-how” to govern Johor.
“It will be similar to how his father Sultan Ibrahim served as Regent between 1984-1989, when his predecessor Sultan Iskandar was fulfilling his responsibilities as king,” he added.
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In his speech at the Istana Besar Johor Bahru during an investiture ceremony to mark his 65th birthday, Sultan Ibrahim said the state government should “provide guidance” to Tunku Ismail when he assumes the role.
"The Regent will bear the responsibility to protect the state and people of Johor, and exercise all the rights and powers of state governance, except as the head of the Islamic Religion,” said Sultan Ibrahim.
"Even though I reside at Istana Negara, it does not mean I am permanently moving to Kuala Lumpur. I will always come back to Johor because this is my hometown. I hope the people of Johor will not forget me and pretend not to know me after this," he added.
As king, Sultan Ibrahim will be head of Islam for all states where there are no monarchs. This encompasses Sabah, Sarawak, Penang, Melaka and during his reign as king - Johor.
ROLE OF REGENT
Prof Chin told CNA that the role of the Regent is to serve as “acting Sultan” in the absence of the ruler.
“TMJ will be presiding over all state matters, officiate state functions and work closely with the state government,” said Prof Chin, referring to Tunku Ismail’s widely known moniker Tunku Makhota Johor.
Article 9 of the Johor state constitution states that the Sultan of Johor may appoint a Regent if he is unwell, incapacitated, travelling or performing the functions of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a period exceeding 15 days.
Prof Chin noted that other states with monarchs have similar laws in their constitution with regards to the appointment of Regents, and it is likely that most of the monarchs would have had the opportunity to serve as Regent during their fathers’ stints as king under Malaysia’s unique rotational monarch system.
“It is under the Constitution that when the Sultan is away on duty as the king or travelling overseas for an extended period, they are required to appoint a Regent,” he added.
He noted how the Pahang crown prince Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah is currently serving as Regent until his father Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah reign as king ends on Jan 30, 2024.
Tunku Ismail’s upcoming appointment will be the fourth time he is appointed Regent of Johor. His last stint as Regent came in June 2022 when Sultan Ibrahim said that he “would like to take a short break”.
Tunku Ismail was also appointed Regent in August 2019 and in April 2016. He was appointed Johor crown prince in January 2010.
Dr Azmi added that “the appointment will be interesting” to watch because Tunku Ismail, like his father Sultan Ibrahim, are outspoken individuals and are “not afraid to voice their opinions and criticise”.
“As Regent, he will be in the limelight in Johor more often as he will be the person officiating the duties of Sultan. His words will carry more weight,” he added.
TMJ WILL SPEAK UP ABOUT POLITICS, NATIONAL ISSUES
Prof Chin told CNA that Tunku Ismail will likely continue speaking up about national issues and politics even after he is appointed Regent.
“With or without the Regent status, TMJ has shown that he is not afraid to speak up,” said Prof Chin.
Other Regents have also spoken out on issues close to their hearts.
For instance, Pahang Regent Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim has on multiple occasions called for Malaysian people and organisations to do more for the environment.
In a statement in June 2022, he urged Malaysian agencies to be active participants in climate and biodiversity talks at the United Nations level and called for them to support key initiatives such as proposals to protect and maintain at least 30 per cent of land and ocean by 2030.
The monarchy in Malaysia is required to be above politics, but Tunku Ismail has not been shy in highlighting that he is keen to voice his opinions as a Malaysian citizen.
During a recent episode of the political podcast series Keluar Sekejap hosted by former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Shahril Hamdan, former economic director at the Prime Minister's Office, Tunku Ismail appeared as a guest and was asked to comment on criticism by others that he oversteps his role by commenting on politics.
Tunku Ismail replied: “Why am I not allowed to talk about politics? Royalty is above politics, but expressing opinions, it’s okay. I am also a citizen of this country. Why are others allowed to give their opinions but I can’t? I don't agree with that.”
“The monarchy system provides checks and balances on the political situation in the country. I feel this is very very important,” he added.
During the same episode, commenting on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s performance so far, Tunku Ismail said that he does not think that the premier “has a good team”.
"He has the intention to do good for the country, but he has to do more, execute more. He must be brave to make decisions,” said Tunku Ismail.
When asked what he intended to do when appointed Regent, Tunku Ismail pledged to do more to mitigate the impact of flood areas like Kota Tinggi, Batu Pahat and Muar. He added that he wants to improve the quality of the education system in Johor.
Dr Azmi said TMJ’s comments during the podcast episode is typical of his brazen style in voicing his opinions.
“He likes to give his opinion on how the country can be governed better, but with the Regent title, the media spotlight will be on him. He will be keen on giving his opinion on national issues even, as he has done in the past. It will be interesting days ahead,” added Dr Azmi.
During his speech last Wednesday, Sultan Ibrahim also reminded Johor civil servants to not involve politics in the administration of the state government.
"Every decision made should be based on the interests of the people and the government, not driven by political interests.
"Carry out your duties and responsibilities honestly and faithfully. You all understand my way, so don't waste time and don't talk too much.
"I will also leave an eye and an ear in Johor to monitor what is happening here. Don't be surprised if I suddenly appear in any district," he said.
Meanwhile, in an excerpt of his speech at the same event posted on his Facebook page, Tunku Ismail “pledged loyalty and obedience” to Sultan Ibrahim and congratulated his father on his appointment as the next king.
Dr Azmi said Sultan Ibrahim was indicating that he will be “keeping a keen eye on happenings in Johor” even though he would be based at the national palace in Kuala Lumpur.
“It's not that he doesn’t trust TMJ, but Sultan Ibrahim is doing what his father did, Sultan Iskandar when he was king, observing and being in the know of what happens in Johor even while doing his national duty,” he added.
Prof Chin said that Sultan Ibrahim is observing Johor closely because issues that affect Johoreans are close to his heart.
“I think this is understandable (that he is keeping a close eye on Johor) because he will be coming back to Johor to rule in five years time so it's no surprise that he wants to ensure the country is managed properly,” he added.
