Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar Malaysia’s Next King: Know All About Him
Under Malaysia’s unusual rotating monarchy system, millionaire sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor state was sworn in as the new king on Wednesday (Jan. 31). With an incredible $5.7 billion empire that includes a fleet of private aircraft, hundreds of automobiles, and yes, his private army, the 65-year-old monarch is preparing to take the throne.
Who is Sultan Ibrahim?
Bloomberg estimates that Sultan Ibrahim’s family’s holdings are worth at least $5.7 billion, making him one of the wealthiest persons in the country. The anticipated figure, however, is more.
Interestingly, since the late 1980s, Malaysia has not had a monarch from the state of Johor on the throne. Sultan Ibrahim may just be the head of state in Malaysia, but his immense wealth and influence stem from his many business endeavors in fields as diverse as palm oil, real estate, mining, and telecommunications.
One of the more than 300 luxurious vehicles owned by the king supposedly belonged to Adolf Hitler. Being the only king in the world to have his private army and a fleet of private jets (including a gold-and-blue Boeing 737) is nothing new for Sultan Ibrahim.
After Malaysian independence from Britain in 1957, the state decided to join modern-day Malaysia, but only if it had a private army.
Who is The New King of Malaysia?
The 17th monarch of the kingdom, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, was appointed during a meeting of rulers in Kuala Lumpur, the capital. After the current king’s reign ends on January 31, next year, the 64-year-old will take the oath of office. A coronation ceremony will follow a few months later.
Once the country gained its independence from Britain in 1957, the system was put into place. In 2019, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah became the king to leave office.
The affluent and powerful Johor royal family, of which Ibrahim is a member, has a private army under the command of its monarch. Along with his frequent political commentary on Malaysia, he has a close friendship with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
He is an active monarch with extensive military experience, having attended schools in the US and trained as an officer in the army, navy, and air force.
The ability to pardon guilty individuals is likewise within the king’s purview. Anwar was pardoned in 2018 after serving a prison term for sodomy by Sultan Muhammad V, who was Ibrahim’s predecessor.
Among Malaysia’s predominantly Muslim Malay population, the king’s position is highly esteemed. Someone could go to jail if their criticism is thought to provoke disobedience toward the monarch.
When Sultan Iskandar, father of Ibrahim, was declared the eighth king of Malaysia in 1984, it was the last time a sultan from Johor became king. That was 39 years ago.
Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar’s Wife and Children
With Sultan Idris Shah II of Perak’s daughter Raja Zarith Sofiah as his bride, Sultan Ibrahim wed on September 22, 1982. They have six children.