Not just a ceremonial King

July 17, 2024

KUALA LUMPUR – THE perception of many Malaysians who have never met His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, is this: He is stern and fierce.

I thought the same before I was granted an audience with Tuanku a decade ago. A mutual friend arranged for me to meet His Majesty, who wanted to better understand how the media operated.

I was reluctant at first, but my friend insisted that I go, assuring me that he would accompany me to the palace.

Tuanku wanted to find out why the national media, all based in Kuala Lumpur, only focused on the Klang Valley and Penang, and not much on Johor.

Tuanku also wanted me to tell him – frankly and candidly – what the people thought of him and his state.

“Ask me anything you want and say anything you want,” His Majesty said as the conversation started. I took that as the green light to express myself freely.

Tuanku listened patiently, not interrupting my remarks, and then replied to every question and comment, factually. Never once did His Majesty raise his voice.

Sultan Ibrahim was pleasant, candid, even humorous at times, and certainly not intimidating. I was totally surprised.

But I reminded Tuanku that this was not an interview, adding that I hoped Tuanku would grant me one.

His Majesty graciously met me again on March 15, 2015, and I had my first sit-down interview at Istana Bukit Serene in the Johor capital.

Over the last 10 years, I have had the privilege and honour to have many interviews with His Majesty.

I have also met Tuanku informally regularly as he shared his thoughts on various issues and advice for me, and the media.

Indeed, I have been very blessed to be able to meet Tuanku up close and personal.

If there is one topic that he treasures greatly, it is the