Tunku Ismail’s appointment as Johor Regent sets ball rolling for new era at Istana Negara

Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s passion and dedication in turning around football club Johor Darul Ta’zim’s fortunes makes him the perfect candidate to be Regent of Johor in his father’s absence.

Tunku Ismail is the eldest son of Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, who will ascend the throne as Malaysia’s 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Jan 31, for a five-year term.

A charismatic sportsman and administrator, Tunku Ismail made the Southern Tigers the undisputed powerhouse in Malaysian football.

As owner of the football club, his vision and determination have seen the Johor outfit sweep all before it for the past 10 years, even winning the AFC Cup in 2015.

Tunku Ismail’s forthright views about sports and the running of the government have earned him many admirers, particularly on issues that affect ‘Bangsa Johor’.

Last year, Tunku Ismail led the Kembara Mahkota Johor – as Sultan Ibrahim had surgery on his shoulder – and received a warm welcome in all 10 districts.

Johor Royal Court Council president Datuk Abdul Rahim Ramli said Tunku Ismail’s appointment as regent was made upon the advice of the Royal Council under Clause 9(1)(d) and (3) of the Johor State Constitution 1895.

“The appointment stands as long as Sultan Ibrahim takes on the responsibilities as the Agong.

“With this appointment, the heir to the Johor throne will henceforth be known as His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail, The Regent of Johor,” he said in a statement.

Tunku Ismail, who turns 40 on June 30, underwent military training as a Cadet Officer at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, India, from July 17, 2003, to Dec 11, 2004, where he was commissioned as a Lieutenant.

In 2008, Tunku Ismail also completed the Special Forces Course at Iskandar Camp in Mersing, and later that year, attended the Basic Parachuting Course at the Special Warfare Training Centre.

A keen polo player, Tunku Ismail held the title of regent on several occasions, notably when Sultan Ibrahim took a brief respite from his royal administrative duties in June 2022.

Tunku Ismail is married to Her Highness Tunku Mahkota Johor Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Bustamam. They have four children – Tunku Khalsom Aminah Sofiah, Tunku Iskandar Abdul Jalil Abu Bakar Ibrahim, Tunku Abu Bakar Ibrahim, and Tunku Zahrah Zarith Aziyah.

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