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Hari ini saya rasa bebas - Tengku Puan Pahang


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ARKIB : 19/08/2009

''Semasa berada di dalam wad, saya rasa bagaikan terpinggir dari dunia luar. 
Pada masa sama saya terbayangkan seorang gadis di Jerman (pernah dilaporkan
akhbar tempatan sebelum ini) yang menjadi hamba seks bapanya selama 24 tahun.

KUANTAN 18 Ogos - ''Hari ini saya rasa bebas." Itulah ungkapan pertama Tengku Puan Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah sebaik sahaja melangkah keluar meninggalkan Wad Diraja Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan (HTAA) di sini hari ini.

Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah mengeluarkan kata-kata itu di hadapan sekumpulan wartawan yang menunggu baginda dan keluarganya di wad berkenaan setelah 12 hari ditahan akibat dijangkiti selesema babi atau influenza A (H1N1) minggu lalu.

''Semasa berada di dalam wad, saya rasa bagaikan terpinggir dari dunia luar. Pada masa sama saya terbayangkan seorang gadis di Jerman (pernah dilaporkan akhbar tempatan sebelum ini) yang menjadi hamba seks bapanya selama 24 tahun.

''Setelah bertahun-tahun dikurung, gadis itu dibebaskan apabila bapanya ditangkap polis. Saya juga merasai kebebasan yang sama apabila dibenarkan keluar dari wad hari ini," katanya ketika ditemui pemberita hari ini.

Pada 7 Ogos lalu, lima anakanda baginda, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, 14, Tengku Muhammad Iskandar Riayatuddin Shah, 12, pasangan kembar, Tengku Ahmad Ismail Muadzam Shah dan Tengku Puteri Afzan Aminah Hafidzatullah, 9, serta Tengku Puteri Jihan Khalsom Athiyatullah, 7, dimasukkan ke HTAA setelah di sahkan positif H1N1.

Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah pula dimasukkan ke hospital sama sehari kemudian kerana dijangkiti virus berkenaan semasa menjaga kelima-lima anakandanya.
Adinda baginda pula, Tunku Mariam Zaharah Sultan Iskandar turut dimasukkan ke wad berkenaan pada 11 Ogos lalu setelah menunjukkan simptom H1N1.

Menurut Tunku Azizah, baginda dan lima anakandanya serta adindanya tidak akan pulang ke Istana Abdul Aziz tetapi akan tinggal sementara di satu tempat yang terpaksa dirahsiakan.
''Keadaan di istana masih belum baik kerana terdapat beberapa orang yang masih demam, selain menunjukkan simptom H1N1.

''Maka, di tempat itu nanti saya dan anakanda akan bertemu dengan Tengku Mahkota, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah," katanya.

Tambah baginda, tiga anakandanya, Tengku Muhammad, Tengku Afzan dan Tengku Jihan pula akan menduduki peperiksaan esok sama ada di rumah atau di hotel.
''Saya tidak benarkan anak saya ke sekolah kerana tidak mahu berjangkit kepada rakan-rakan mereka. Saya takut nanti sekiranya terdapat kes H1N1 di sekolah, ibu bapa pelajar akan mempersalahkan saya," titah baginda.

Mengimbas pengalaman baginda ketika dimaklumkan lima anakandanya dijangkiti H1N1, baginda benar-benar terkejut dan tubuhnya menggigil.

''Apabila doktor memaklumkan bahawa Tengku Muhammad positif H1N1, anak saya terus menjerit dengan berkata: 'Mama, I don't want to die (ibu, saya tidak mahu mati)'.
''Selepas itu, anak saya Tengku Ahmad mula menangis kerana mereka semua tahu bahawa H1N1 ini boleh membawa maut," titah baginda.

Berikutan itu, baginda terpaksa memujuk anakandanya dengan mengatakan mereka bertuah kerana masih belum terlambat sedangkan pada masa sama, hatinya turut dilanda kesedihan dan keresahan yang amat sangat.

''Selepas saya menenangkan mereka, saya keluar dari bilik dan menghubungi Tengku Mahkota di London.

''Saya menangis terkenangkan anak-anak dan betapa susahnya untuk memiliki anak sebelum ini," titahnya.

Selain mengerjakan solat hajat sepanjang berada di wad, Tunku Azizah juga sempat melakukan aktiviti menjahit dan hasilnya, sebuah beg serta alas cawan berjaya dihasilkan.

Memories of Our Mother

In a recently launched book, Zaharah Othman sees her mother in each and every personality portrayed

Raja Zarith captures memories of her late mother in the 
pages of the book
“Treasure every second of being with your mother: Inhale the fragrance of her hair, the smell of her skin, enjoy hearing her voice and her sighs, capture her smile and put it in your heart.”
The young Raja Zarith with her mother,
Raja Muzwin Raja Ariff Shah

THAT was the message I received when I expressed regret that I couldn’t attend the launch of the book, Memories Of Our Mothers.
The sender understood how precious every moment was that I spent with my ailing mother, hours before my departure for London. The sender was Tuanku Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah, patron as well as one of the contributors in the 176-page book. Indeed she was also the initiator of the project which brought together 29 daughters who captured the essence of their mothers between the pages of the coffee table book, complete with black and white pictures of yesteryear and heart-wrenching and warm anecdotes and poems.
Raja Zarith, consort of the Sultan of Johor, lost her mother, Raja Muzwin Raja Ariff Shah, in October last year and, prior to and after this sad event in her life, we communicated a lot about our mothers, about how we cared for them, and about how we wanted to capture these memories to be treasured forever.
As a frequently absent daughter, I had documented memories of my mother in my blog as well as in short video clips, which I watched regularly through tear-stained eyes back in London.
“After sharing the pain and anguish with other friends I suggested to Datin Halimah Mohd Said that perhaps we could all write about our own mothers,” said Raja Zarith who wrote that her mother wove a thread of love around them “so strong that it not only bound us to each other but also to our own families”.
With educationist and now citizen journalist Halimah at the helm as the project coordinator, Memories Of Our Mothers  took shape. Published by MPH, it was launched last week at PJ Hilton in Petaling Jaya.
Contributing writers included retired professor Loga Baskaran who wrote about her mother Leilavathy Mahesan, the counsellor and confidante who saw to it that family life did not stop her from achieving her ambitions; Elly Tan Sha Meng, who shared the positive attitude, determination and resilience of her mother Goh Soh Kheng, when faced with challenges that life threw at her; and writer Nora Marzuki who inherited wit and talent from her multi-talented mother
The writer, seated second from right, with Mak
(centre, in white) and the rest of the family
Nong Othman, who not only sewed and cooked but also played the accordion, piano and drums as as well as danced the tango!
There were beautiful and touching accounts from Tan Sri Zarinah Anwar and her sister Zainah, from Rose Ismail, chairman of Salt Media Group, and the Ali sisters — Aishah, Saleha and Datuk Zainun — and many more.
The result must have been therapeutic and a catharsis for those involved, and indeed, for those reading the book.
I read Memories Of Our Mothers as we cruised over 10,000m in the sky, frequently turning away to the clouds to hide my tears. By the time we reached Dubai, I saw my mother in each and every personality portrayed in the book.
True, my mother never stepped foot in a classroom and could only spell Y-U-N, her name. Her English vocabulary consists of only Yes, No and Alright, but she managed three holidays in London. Now our pillar of strength is reduced to bones and skin but she is there in every chapter of the book.
I see her in Habsah Abang Saufi’s description of her mum who looked after her when she was ill with cancer. “I should be the one who is ill, not you”, the matriarch of the big family had said, echoing my own Mak's words whenever we fell ill. Indeed, when I was revising for exams, Mak would stay up make me coffee and sandwiches, and would say: “If only I can take the exams for you!”
The writer’s Mak in her prime
From the north, Mak is the only surviving child of Hajjah Wan Mohd Saman, a strict disciplinarian who suffered no fools and showed very little love to all around her. I often wondered where Mak got her abundance of love that she showered on her siblings from another mother. To this day, her siblings remain at her bedside, holding her hand and reading her prayers. But it was Tok, the perfectionist, who taught her the art of sewing clothes, supplementing the family income by making baju raya and selling cakes to make ends meet.
Looking after Tok during her final years, Mak showed admirable loyalty and strength and love. Each night she would tie her mother’s hands, while profusely apologising, “Minta ampun, Mak, Minta ampun, Mak!” to prevent her from scratching her bedsores.
When Tok passed away, and with Pak gone, Mak’s energy ebbed to a level we never knew possible. She reluctantly left the big house that Pak built for her in Alor Setar, to live with her children in Bangi where she was doted on by her children, sons-in-law and grandchildren. She is, to this day, showered with hugs and kisses every time they walk in and out of the house.
But in her twilight years, she only yearned to be in one place — the house that Pak built for her. Being ferried and flown there lessened her pangs of missing the house that used to be filled with bantering and laughter. And she misses Pak, the dashing clerk from the land office whom she married, who transported her from the village where she grew up, to live in town.
But on her last trip there, she couldn't even recognise the place or the flower garden she used to tend to.
Our beloved Mak, Hajjah Yun Hanafi
Sitting around Mak after reading her yassin, her siblings recalled her kindness and generosity - and recounted how Mak saved a young British soldier from the Japanese, how she held a tight rein around her loved ones and how she endured hardship but still had enough to go around.
Spending days and nights watching her, helping to bathe and feed her, I sometimes felt the urge to yank out the cancer raging in her. But never, not once, did I hear her moan with pain. The pain was only etched on her face as she clenched her teeth, until it ebbed.
One night, I sat up, watching her motionless body, and I had the urge to put a finger to her nose to see if she was still breathing. The last time I did this was when I was 5.
On this trip, Mak didn’t recognise me or any of her children. She mentioned our names but she couldn't tell who we were, unlike my trip last year, made possible by Raja Zarith who wanted me to spend Hari Raya with my mother. This act of kindness afforded me many wonderful memories of Mak: Witty and fun, jovial and sporting to the core.
Asking for her forgiveness and blessings for every drop of milk that she fed me, I wrenched myself away, and this was made possible only by her sweet smile and the caress of her soft hand on my face. And I took with me the memories and the sweet fragrance of lavender powder on her skin, which will forever be in my heart.

'MEMORIES OF OUR MOTHERS' BOOK LAUNCH
PETALING JAYA: Consort of the Sultan of Johor, Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah, launched a book entitled Memories of Our Mothers recently.

Raja Zarith decided to write the book with 28 other women after her own mother, Raja Muzwin Raja Ariff Shah passed away last year.

The other writers comprised professionals, homemakers, activists and retirees including Datin Mariam Kadir, Tan Sri Zarinah Anwar, Datuk Zainun Ali and Datin Halimah Mohd Said.

The launching ceremony was held at Hilton PJ, attended by prominent guests who included Raja Nahzatul Shima Sultan Idris Shah, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, Tun Dr Ahmad Sarji, Tun Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah, MPH Group of Companies chief executive officer Ng Tieh Chuan and members of the royal family.

Published by MPH Group Publishing, Memories Of Our Mothers is available at all major bookstores.  




Synopsis:
To lose someone we love deeply is a traumatic experience. We can never be fully prepared for the sadness and grief that follows. Sometimes the void lingers forever and we learn to cope in different ways.


While the loss of a parent is devastating, that of a mother is heart-wrenching. In losing her mother, a woman loses the most important influence in her life. She loses the provider and nourisher—of love and understanding, of patience and equanimity, of family bonding and togetherness, of all the nurturing values that imbue her being. The grief of losing her mother is very hard for a woman to bear.


Memories of Our Mothers is a collection of poignant writings by a group of women on their thoughts and feelings at the loss of their mothers. By chronicling their experiences, they hope to share them with other women who are undergoing and will undergo the same journey. 

Author Name: HRH Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah

Johor Sultan on FDI trip to China

Royal guest: Sultan Ibrahim with the Party Secretary of CR18G 
International Engineering Co Ltd Prof Zhang Shian before inspecting 
the control systems of the high-speed train in Tianjin.
He visits railway company committed to invest in Johor

BEIJING: In a move aimed at attracting investments into Johor and to study China's technology-driven infrastructure projects, Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar recently visited the offices of China Railway 18th Construction Bureau Co Ltd (CR18G).
CR18G is part of China Railway Construction Company (CRCC), which in turn is one of the three shortlisted Chinese companies that will be chosen as the main contractor for the Electrified Double-Tracking Project for Gemas to Johor Baru. This had been earlier agreed on a government-to-government basis.
During the visit, Sultan Ibrahim helped secure a commitment from CR18G president Hao Chenyi, to invest in Johor and to open an office in Iskandar Development Region, according to a media release issued toStarBiz from the Johor Palace.
In recent times, Johor has been seeing a lot of business activity and investments. Already the home to the ambitious Iskandar Malaysia project, other notable developments include Petroliam Nasional Bhd's proposed integrated downstream oil and gas complex in Pengerang (dubbed Rapid or Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development) and a plan to turn the Johor Baru waterfront fronting Singapore into an iconic development with a whopping gross development value of some RM80bil.
Another significant development in Johor has been the transformation of the state's investment arm, Johor Corp (Jcorp), which started to take shape after Sultan Ibrahim's installation as the Ruler of Johor in 2010. From a debt-saddled entity, JCorp is undergoing a group-wide restructuring exercise primarily aimed at unlocking values within the group and streamlining its businesses that include such prime assets asKFC Holdings Bhd, plantation giant Kulim (M) Bhd and hospital chain KPJ Healthcare Bhd.
As part of the visit to China, Sultan Ibrahim was accompanied by Hao on a high-speed train ride from the city of Tianjin to Beijing, covering a total of 117km in just under 30 minutes at speeds of close to 300 km per hour.
He was also briefed on the many different projects that had been undertaken by the CR18G team, including constructing what was known as the world's highest railway system, which runs from China's city of Xinjiang to Lhasa in Tibet.
Other projects completed by CR18G include constructing one of the world's deepest tunnel systems, building flood mitigation systems as well as building hydro power generation stations in China. CR18G was also recently awarded the prestigious fast-train project between Mecca and Madinah by King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia.
The Sultan of Johor has a deep interest in railways and holds the record as the first ruler to obtain a Class 26 locomotive driving licence a few years ago.
“I have always had a keen interest in rail technologies and when I read that China had built the world's fastest train, I had to pay them a visit,” he said.

SUNDAY INTERVIEW: 'I don't have a put-on style'




WHAT'S ON HIS MIND: Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, in an exclusive interview, speaks candidly on a variety of issues -- from his bid for the WWW 1 vehicle registration number, his deep love for his subjects, his fear of heights, and passion for cars, to his favourite colour.



Question: How has the role of the monarchy in Malaysia changed with the times?
Answer: Our role is still the same as before -- to look after the rakyat , the state and different districts. Of course, there are still official palace functions and ceremonies. These are important. We do not want ceremonies to disappear because they are part of our heritage, our history.
But maybe, nowadays, we have become more approachable and there are more opportunities for people to tell us their problems.
We are less formal and we make informal visits to different parts of the state. When I drive around the state, and see areas which are dirty or piled with rubbish, I tell the government officers to get these places cleaned up.
Also, we are more aware now about pollution and about taking care of our jungles, islands and beaches. I try to help. Like the time during the Kembara Mahkota Johor when I visited the islands. I am concerned over animal trafficking.

Question: Has technology provided a platform for Malaysians to be closer to royalty? What are the pros and cons? What blogs do you follow?
Answer: I try to adjust to technology. In fact, I sometimes read gossip columns, too. I don't follow any bloggers, but I have a Facebook page under the name Ibrahim Ismail. I sometimes do glance through it, but don't comment. I am on Facebook because I want to know how it works.
It is, however, left idle where "friends" are concerned. If I start to accept friends, but don't reply or respond, mesti ada yang kecil hati (some might be offended).
Yes, the Internet is a platform for the rakyat to be closer to royalty in a way. But it's impossible to answer all their questions. It takes a lot of time. And sometimes, there can be misunderstandings. It's still better to meet face-to-face.
But I think a proper website would be good, for example, the British monarchy website and the Prince of Wales' website -- both highlight the work royals do, including where they went, who they met. So, I prefer to have something like that where the people can experience and see for themselves what I have done and am doing.
Question: The Johor royal family has a long history of charismatic rulers who are well loved by the people. How would you describe your style as a ruler?
Answer: I want to be a sultan who is known for his love for his people. And that I listen to their problems and try to solve those problems. It doesn't matter who they are, whether they are fishermen, Orang Asli, businessman or people with heart problems.
From the time I was Tunku Mahkota Johor, I liked stopping at warung (stalls) or restaurants in whatever town I am in and have something to eat if I am hungry. I still like doing the same thing now. I enjoy it when old men, who I usually call Wak or Pak, come to chat with me. I don't mind if the people at the warung want to take pictures with me. It is nice to know they are happy to see me and to talk to me. I started the Kembara Mahkota Johor (KMJ) because it is a good way for me to meet the rakyat in an informal way. I enjoy the times I stayed in kampung houses overnight during the kembara.
At the same time, I want people to know that I am strict about certain things -- don't try to be nice to me or sweet-talk me so that you can get a datukship.
Question: Would you say this is your own unique style?
Answer: This is not a "put-on" style. This is me. I can't be somebody else. I am myself.
I still need to learn a lot from my brother rulers. I am a lot like my father (the late Sultan Iskandar) but at the same time, we are two different people. For starters, I don't have his patience. I have a tendency to want things done immediately. Thus, I don't have as much patience compared with him.
I am strict but at the same time, soft, and very forgiving. This is me, there is no put on. What you see is what I am, I don't have a facade.
I enjoy eating at a stall and I will (do so). My father taught me to treat people with respect. I call my driver Pak Mail and my teachers from school sir and my Quran teacher cikgu until now.
Anyone else who is older than me is Pak, Wak or encik and womenfolk are kakak.
Because some people are segan (shy) when I drop by their stalls unexpectedly and it causes their customers to become fidgety, so I have reduced such things. I still make my rounds unannounced by driving around to see for myself that the state is fine and my subjects are well.
Question: Are you different now as compared with when you were Tunku Mahkota Johor?
Answer: I still go to the kitchen, you know. I still like my friends. It's difficult for me when I can't go to Botak's restaurant (a famous asam pedas restaurant in Johor Baru). I can't sit at a warung, but I will do it during the Kembara Mahkota Johor.
Question: From the uniform that you wore at the rulers' meeting to confirm the next Yang DiPertuan Agong, some say you have styled yourself along your great-great grandfather, Sultan Sir Abu Bakar. What is your comment?
Answer: That's not a military uniform. The uniform is new but all the jewels are Sultan Abu Bakar's. All the jewels are his. They're not new. They were passed down from Sultan Abu Bakar to (the late) Sultan Ibrahim and so on. They are normally only worn prior to the coronation. There are two sets of jewels. I put them on because I want people to know what Johor has. These are the state jewels.
Question: Is your late great-great grandfather your role model?
Answer: Yes. I always listen to stories about Sultan Abu Bakar, and I read books about Sultan Ibrahim. He's my hero. But times have changed. That was 80 or 60 years ago. Times have changed. So I guess I have to change with the times, too. Sultan Abu Bakar was very smart as he was the "Father of Modern Johor". He became a very wealthy man. Later, (Sultan) Ibrahim became a wealthy man as well. It (their wealth) started from plantations. It started from the cultivation of gambier and black pepper. My great grandfather started a rubber plantation.
Question: From the initials used on the royal cypher, it appears that the Johor royal household plans the names of future rulers carefully.
Answer: Sultan Abu Bakar had the AB on his cypher. Then, it was changed to SI during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim. Ibrahim had a son named Ismail. Why those names? Prophet Ibrahim's son was Ismail, and so the late Sultan Ibrahim's son was named Ismail. Sultan Ismail had a son called Mahmud Iskandar, but the latter likes to be called Iskandar. Again, the cypher was SI yet again. Then, I am Ibrahim. Again the SI cypher is used again and it didn't change.
Question: Did your late father ask you to name the Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ismail?
Answer: I never named any of my children. I've never named any of my children. When they were born, I would go to see my father or call him. Like when the Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ismail, was was born, Almarhum (Sultan Iskandar) was the (Yang di-Pertuan) Agong. He was in Kuala Lumpur, not here. The Tunku Mahkota was born on Hari Raya day. The Agong celebrated the first day of Hari Raya in KL, and the second day of Hari Raya in Johor.
My late father asked me, "What did you get?" I said, a son. He said: "Well done, a son! Name him this."
When I was born, my father called his grandfather Sultan Ibrahim in London. My father had asked: "Can I name my son after you?" It was to get his blessing. That's how I got my name.
Question: It is clear that you are close to your children.
Answer: We're friends. In uniform, they are formal. The moment they take off their uniform, they are just like everybody else with their father. In uniform, they will approach me and say: "Asalamualaikum, Tuanku" and give a salute. That's their discipline. I spend the weekends with my family. These are the times I share with my children what my father shared with me.
Question: Your son Tunku Ismail defended you (on the bid for the WWW 1 vehicle registration number issue) and it is said that he takes a lot after you.
Answer: Of course. They are my children. I am his father. Not only did the Tunku Mahkota Johor say something back, Tunku Temenggong Johor (Tunku Idris) and Tunku Jalil (Tunku Abdul Jalil) said something back (about the matter), too. I am their father and they know how I feel.
Question: Does Tunku Ismail take a lot after you?
Answer: He is slightly shorter than me, but all my other children are taller than me. Except for my daughter (Tunku Aminah), she follows her mother. Tunku Jalil is tallest of the lot. But we have yet to know how "Tunku Bubu" (youngest prince, Tunku Abu Bakar) will turn out as he's only 11.
Question: Some say Tunku Ismail seems a lot like you when you were his age?
Answer: Sometimes you want to have your father's style. You know, sometimes you want to look like your father and want to walk like your father. Wear a similar coat. Like today, I want to go diving, and he asks me if he could go. I felt touched that they want to come with me. That way, I have an opportunity to teach them or lecture them. It's quality time for us.
Question: In your opinion, what is it that people still do not understand about the role of the monarchy in our country?
Answer: In Malaysia, it is a constitutional monarchy. We are a symbol of stability. Politicians may come and go but we remain and carry out our duties.
Royal families in Malaysia have been here long before independence. Hundreds of years prior to that.
What people may not understand is this -- we know what our duties are and what we should do because we are well aware and know what our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers did. We learned from them and their experiences.
If people invite us to visit them, we will go. It doesn't matter if it's a wedding in a kampung or a big event in a hotel in the city.
Maybe because our photographs don't appear often on television and newspapers, people may think we are not doing anything.
All my subjects matter to me, immaterial of their race, religion or beliefs. They are Johoreans and they matter!
Question: The "Perhimpunan Ikrar Taat Setia" last Sunday in Johor Baru attracted 30,000 people from various races and walks of life. How did you feel about it?
Answer: It was a very emotional moment for me to see so many people gathered there. I didn't expect so many to turn up. It was a very hot day and it touched me that they still wanted to come and see me although it was extremely humid.
I will remember that day for the rest of my life. And I was impressed, too, because they were not rowdy and everyone behaved themselves.
Question: On the bid for the WWW 1 vehicle registration number issue, what are your feelings about it?
Answer: It shouldn't have become an issue. I wasn't doing anything wrong. I bid for the number and I paid for it. I didn't ask it for free. And the money I paid went to the government. This means the government will decide what to do with it. It will still go back to the people.
I went through the proper channels and I am proud I won the bid. It would be unfair to have asked it for free. It will put the JPJ (Road Transport Department) in a very difficult position. The government made the right choice to tender it out.
Question: Recently, certain cases have been linked to the palace, such as the Pulau Rawa incident and that involving national boxer (Mohd Farkhan Mohd Haron). What is your take on the matter?
Answer: It's difficult. The boxer was involved in a case with some distant family members of mine. But the bad name will be on the Johor royalty.
I ask my children to stay away from all sorts of provocation. All their bodyguards now are on alert.
When somebody wants to be your friend and join you for a drink, but then starts swearing to your face, that's provocation. It's very... the bodyguards are in a difficult position. Sometimes the bodyguard pulls them, or reprimands them, and people complain and say, "Oh, the sultan's bodyguard is rough".
It's very difficult for them to do their job. Their job is to look after my safety. I'm not saying my life is always in danger. For example, if somebody comes to me and hugs me? What if he has a bomb? Look at Rajiv Gandhi (the assassinated Indian prime minister)?
I have reminded my sons to stay away from all kinds of provocation. There are protocols to adhere to. When I go out and meet the people, and someone makes a sudden gesture and hugs me, my bodyguard, who has been entrusted with my safety, will react.
That is their job. They might pull that person away or maybe push them a little. But it does not mean they are misusing their powers. What if anything happens? If someone acts rudely, it may be concluded as a threat. The bodyguards will react. It's what they have been trained to do and they do it out of love, too. Just let them do their job. One should not be judgmental.
Question: What are your future plans for Johor?
Answer: The future plans in Johor lie with the government. I would like to see Johor prosper. I want this development to benefit my subjects. They are the technocrats. They must make sure that my subjects benefit from the developments.
Question: Does Johor need another airport?
Answer: It will be good for Johor to have another airport. I want to build a house using the railway track channel slippers, or rather a log cabin in Mersing.
It will be country's first, and become an iconic Johor landmark. While I was looking for a carpenter to do so, a friend introduced me to an architect from Africa. I drew for him what I wanted and he showed me something else. It turned out looking like the Flintstones' house. I grew up watching that cartoon, and I love it.
The architect told me that no one else can build such as house. So, yes the Flinstone Beach House in Mersing is under way. There will be a car like Fred Flinstones', too. But it will not run on foot. The uniform will be Flinstones' costumes and locally made.
There is also a another kelong project in Mersing. These structures will put Johor on the world's map and benefit the rakyat.
I love Mersing for its beaches. I love water sports.
Question: Do you prefer to travel by air, sea or road?
Answer: Road. I am a pilot and I fly a helicopter. I am a parachutist and I have jumped off a plane. But lately, I have become scared of heights and don't like to fly, unless I am in the cockpit. It just happened. I don't know why I changed. I get jittery when my plane goes into turbulence or crosswinds.
Question: What is your favourite colour, hobby and car? Besides polo, what other sports do you enjoy?
Answer: My favourite colour is pink. I like turquoise and blue, too. I don't have any particular hobbies but I love cars and boats. I used to go windsurfing and I also water-ski. But now, I prefer scuba diving. And of course, I enjoy driving... and it doesn't matter what the licence plate number is.


Read more: SUNDAY INTERVIEW: 'I don't have a put-on style' - General - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/sunday-interview-i-don-t-have-a-put-on-style-1.95317#ixzz1y2TWzayg

Nasihat Sultan Ibrahim Kepada Putera & Puteri Baginda

Ahad Jun 17, 2012
EKSKLUSIF mStar Oleh ROZAID A. RAHMAN
Sultan Ibrahim. Foto THE STAR / ABDUL RAHMAN EMBONG

JOHOR BARU: Sultan Johor, Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar telah menasihati putera-putera dan puteri baginda supaya jangan terlibat dalam sebarang kejadian yang boleh memalukan keluarga diraja Johor.
Sehubungan dengan itu, Sultan Ibrahim telah menasihati putera-putera dan puteri baginda agar mengadap dan mendapatkan kebenaran daripada Tuanku Sultan sebelum keluar dari negeri Johor.
“Saya telah menasihati anak-anak saya supaya mendapatkan kebenaran sebelum ke Kuala Lumpur atau pun Singapura kerana mereka boleh sentiasa sahaja terdedah kepada provokasi atau mungkin ada yang cuba mencari masalah dengan melakukanprovokasi,” titah baginda dalam temuramah eksklusif dengan mStar Online dan The Star di Istana Pasir Pelangi di sini baru-baru ini.
Sultan Ibrahim menasihati putera-putera dan puteri baginda agar mengadap dan mendapatkan kebenaran daripada Tuanku Sultan sebelum keluar dari negeri Johor.
Titah baginda lagi, sekiranya mereka berada di dalam situasi yang boleh mendatangkan masalah, nasihat baginda ialah, segera meninggalkan tempat tersebut.
Sepanjang temuramah itu, baginda Sultan menegaskan adalah tidak adil untuk pihak lain mengaitkan sesiapa sahaja dengan gelaran “Tengku” atau “Tunku” yang terlibat dalam pergaduhan atau sesuatu yang tidak elok dengan keluarga diraja Johor.
“Adakah kami pencetus masalah? Kami bukan pencetus masalah. Saya sentiasa mengingatkan anak-anak saya supaya menghormati orang lain. Jangan terlibat dalam perkara-perkara yang boleh memalukan keluarga diraja Johor. Orang mahu melihat kamu melakukan kesilapan. Jadi hindar dari segala provokasi dan masalah.
“Tetapi itu pun saya sentiasa ingatkan pengawal keselamatan supaya jangan berkasar dengan orang awam tetapi mereka juga ada tanggungjawab dan peranan yang perlu dilakukan. Orang mungkin salah faham dan berasa iri hati. Sebab itulah saya sentiasa ingatkan anak-anak saya supaya jangan terlibat dalam sebarang situasi yang boleh mencetuskan masalah,” jelas baginda.
INSTITUSI RAJA-RAJA
Kepada satu soalan, Sultan Ibrahim menjelaskan, sama ada institusi raja-raja masih lagi relevan dengan era milenium ini perlulah dilihat dari konteks sesebuah masyarakat, negara, adat, budaya dan sejarah.
Sultan Ibrahim (dua dari kanan) kagum dengan kesetiaan yang ditunjukkan oleh rakyatnya mengenai isu WWW1. Turut bersama baginda dalam perhimpunan itu, isteri Raja Zarith Sofiah (kanan) dan kedua puteranya Tunku Mahkota Tunku Ismail, Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris. Foto THE STAR/ ABDUL RAHMAN EMBONG
“Malaysia ada sejarah dan budayanya sendiri dan Kesultanan Johor telah sedia wujud sejak tahun 1885 lagi. Di dunia lain mungkin ada Raja yang disingkir...jadi kita perlu tanya kenapa Raja-Raja disingkirkan. Di negara kita, Raja-Raja adalah sebuah institusi yang berkait rapat dengan sejarah, adat dan budaya bangsa itu sendiri.
“Hari ini, Raja-Raja memainkan peranan check and balance di dalam sebuah negara. Sebab itulah Raja-Raja sentiasa berada di atas politik dan tidak mencampuri urusan politik. Jadi nasihat saya ialah, jangan mempolitikkan institusi Raja-Raja kerana itulah yang dipersetujui apabila kita membentuk negara ini.
BLOG
Sultan Ibrahim turut menyatakan pandangannya mengenai tulisan-tulisan yang muncul dalam laman blog dan internet mengenai beberapa isu khususnya yang berkaitan dengan institusi raja-raja.
Titah baginda; “Sejak akhir-akhir ini, saya ada ikuti beberapa tulisan di dalam blog. Ada yang tulis perkara yang bukan-bukan. Tetapi nasihat saya ialah jagalah adab dan bahasa kita. Sesetengahnya menulis menggunakan bahasa yang tidak sesuai langsung untuk dibaca.”
“...saya ada ikuti beberapa tulisan di dalam blog. Ada yang tulis perkara yang bukan-bukan. Tetapi nasihat saya ialah jagalah adab dan bahasa kita," titah Sultan Ibrahim.
Jelas baginda, ketika berlangsungnya program Kembara Mahkota selama empat hari baru-baru ini, para blogger turut dijemput untuk menyaksikan sendiri bagaimana keluarga diraja Johor berinteraksi dengan masyarakat.
“Mereka boleh saksikan sendiri apa yang saya buat sepanjang empat hari itu. Dan sesuatu yang sangat-sangat menyentuh perasaan saya ialah, jika rakyat boleh menunggu di tepi jalan selama berjam-jam hanya untuk bersalaman dan bercakap dengan saya, maka saya patut tengok dan menjaga hal ehwal rakyat saya. “
BUKAN CARA SAYA
Tetapi nyata Sultan Ibrahim, pada masa yang sama, bukanlah menjadi cara dan gaya baginda untuk memberitahu kepada umum apakah yang telah baginda lakukan untuk membantu masyarakat secara amnya dan juga secara khususnya.
“Bukanlah menjadi style saya untuk mengumumkan setiap satu perkara yang saya lakukan untuk rakyat...tapi mereka yang telah menerima sesuatu daripada saya tahu apa yang telah saya lakukan untuk membantu rakyat negeri saya.
“Bukanlah menjadi style saya untuk mengumumkan setiap satu perkara yang saya lakukan untuk rakyat...," titah Sultan Ibrahim.
“Namun begitu saya juga sentiasa mengikuti apa yang dilaporkan oleh media kerana bagi saya komen media sangat penting kerana media sentiasa berada bersama rakyat untuk melaporkan keluh kesah mereka...saya perlu maklum balas daripada media untuk memahami dan mengetahui apa lagi yang boleh saya buat untuk rakyat saya.
“Saya tidak pernah umumkan apa yang saya beri kepada rakyat saya tetapi saya perlu tahu apakah reaksi rakyat terhadap saya,” jelas Sultan Ibrahim.
Dalam hubungan ini Sultan Ibrahim menegaskan bahawa baginda mahu putera-putera dan puteri baginda memahami hal ehwal rakyat dan masyarakat.
“Anak-anak saya kena tahu tentang rakyat dan saya mahu mereka bertemu dengan rakyat dan badan-badan bukan kerajaan sekerap yang mungkin...bukan sekadar turun menunaikan solat Jumaat bersama rakyat sahaja.
URUSAN PERNIAGAAN
Sultan Ibrahim juga menjelaskan bahawa segala urusan perniagaan yang diuruskan baginda selama ini akan diserahkan kepada putera-putera dan puteri baginda.
“Saya tidak lagi boleh meneruskannya kerana kedudukan saya sebagai Sultan tetapi saya akan melatih anak-anak saya untuk menguruskan perniagaan mereka sendiri.
"...Saya belajar segala-galanya dari bawah. Saya menguruskan perniagaan saya sendiri sejak saya menjadi Tunku Mahkota Johor lagi," titah Sultan Ibrahim.
“Mereka harus belajar bagaimana hendak menguruskan perniagaan ini. Saya belajar segala-galanya dari bawah. Saya menguruskan perniagaan saya sendiri sejak saya menjadi Tunku Mahkota Johor lagi. Segala urusan di dalam istana, pembayaran gaji kakitangan, staf peribadi Almarhum ayahanda saya semuanya saya yang uruskan.
“Tetapi sekarang sudah tiba masanya untuk saya mengajar anak-anak saya bagaimana hendak mengurus perniagaan mereka.
“Saya mempunyai ladang kelapa sawit seluas 40,000 ekar di negeri Johor. Semuanya saya uruskan sendiri. Dari membeli biji benih sehingga kepada menanam, menuai, membaja, semuanya saya belajar sendiri.
“Saya mahu anak-anak saya juga lakukan perkara yang sama. Saya sedang membina rumah di tengah-tengah ladang saya dan saya mahu mereka duduk di ladang dan belajar dari bawah.
“Saya akan hantar mereka ke Felda untuk mempelajari pengurusan ladang kelapa sawit daripada Felda serta perjalanan perniagaan kelapa sawit,” jelas Sultan Ibrahim lagi.

Sultan Johor murka terhadap Nizar


June 14, 2012

Sultan Ibrahim bertitah tindakan bekas Menteri Besar Perak itu juga merupakan satu penghinaan kepada rakyat dan kedaulatan negeri Johor.




NUSAJAYA: Sultan Johor Sultan Ibrahim hari ini melahirkan rasa murka terhadap bekas Menteri Besar Perak Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin yang mengkritik tindakan baginda membida nombor pendaftaran kenderaan WWW 1 menerusi laman Twitter, baru-baru ini.
Sultan Ibrahim bertitah tindakan Mohammad Nizar itu juga merupakan satu penghinaan kepada rakyat dan kedaulatan negeri Johor dan baginda berharap Anggota Dewan Undangan Negeri Pasir Panjang itu sedar mengenai kesilapannya.
“Baru-baru ini ada pemimpin politik yang secara terang-terangan mengkritik tindakan saya membida nombor pendaftaran di Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan (JPJ).
D.Y.M.M Sultan Ibrahim Ibni
Almarhum 
Sultan Iskandar
Adakah dia lupa tentang adab Melayu atau sememangnya dia seorang yang jahil dan cetek akalnya?
“Janganlah cuba berlagak pandai jika tidak berilmu dan janganlah mengeluarkan kenyataan sesuka hati jika tidak tahu perkara yang sebenar.
Bukankah berdiam diri itu lebih baik daripada berkata yang tidak baik?
Kepada pemimpin seperti ini, nasihat saya, janganlah sibuk mencari kudis di kaki orang lain, sedangkan tokak di kaki sendiri tidak mampu diubati,” titah baginda ketika merasmikan pembukaan penggal persidangan kelima Dewan Negeri Johor ke-12, di Kota Iskandar, di sini, hari ini.
Sultan Ibrahim bertitah setiap tindakan yang baginda lakukan adalah mengikut cara dan jalan yang betul dan baginda berharap setiap kebajikan yang baginda lakukan tidak perlu diperbesarkan.
Sehubungan itu, baginda turut mengingatkan semua wakil rakyat dan pemimpin masyarakat supaya menjaga adab dan tingkah laku serta berhati-hati apabila membuat sesuatu kenyataan selaras dengan kata pepatah “cakap siang pandang-pandang, cakap malam dengar-dengar”.
Pepatah Melayu
“Saya harap dia (Mohammad Nizar) sedar siapa diri dia dan kesilapan yang telah dibuat. Jika dia hendak minta maaf, mintalah maaf kepada semua rakyat Johor dan bukannya kepada saya seorang sahaja. Pepatah Melayu sering mengingatkan “terlajak perahu boleh diundur, terlajak kata buruk padahnya,” titah baginda sambil mengucapkan terima kasih kepada anggota gabungan badan bukan kerajaan dan seluruh rakyat Johor yang memberi sokongan serta menyembah ikrar taat setia yang tidak berbelah bahagi.
Sementara itu, Sultan Johor bertitah baginda bersyukur kerana seluruh rakyat di negeri ini mengecapi hidup dalam suasana yang aman dan menikmati kesejahteraan yang lebih baik hasil daripada pertumbuhan ekonomi yang tinggi dan berterusan.
Baginda bertitah, Johor mencapai pelaburan lebih RM2 bilion dalam suku pertama tahun ini manakala Iskandar Malaysia pula merekodkan pelaburan komited terkumpul berjumlah RM87.56 bilion untuk tempoh tahun 2006 sehingga Mac lepas.
“Lebih 30 peratus daripada nilai projek permulaan di seluruh negara yang dilaburkan di negeri ini membolehkan Johor menceburi bidang baru iaitu minyak dan gas yang sekaligus akan menjadi penjana ekonomi utama di selatan negeri ini.
Oleh itu, kerajaan perlu memastikan rakyat dilengkapi dengan kemahiran di semua peringkat termasuk profesional, teknikal dan vokasional untuk membolehkan mereka menjadi tenaga kerja di bidang-bidang baru ini,” titah baginda.
Sultan Ibrahim dalam pada itu turut mengingatkan semua pihak supaya terus mengekalkan perpaduan memandangkan ada sesetengah pihak yang berusaha untuk menggugat perpaduan rakyat demi kepentingan politik yang sempit.
Sultan Johor bertitah pihak berkenaan sanggup menabur fitnah dan menghasut rakyat untuk membenci raja serta membangkitkan isu sensitif kaum dan agama dengan tujuan untuk menimbulkan kebencian dan menghancurkan keamanan dan kemakmuran negara.
“Ingatlah bahawa perpaduan merupakan asas wujudnya negara ini dan kemajuan yang kita peroleh adalah hasil daripada perpaduan yang wujud sejak dulu lagi. Namun begitu, saya percaya rakyat Johor bukanlah masyarakat yang mudah terpedaya dengan tipu helah “musang yang berbulu ayam” ini,” titahnya.
- Bernama