A Johor Agong is good for Singapore

An Istana visit in Oct 2023 by Sultan Ibrahim and his wife Raja Zarith Sofiah

Singapore and Johor have historically enjoyed friendly bilateral relations. The close geographical proximity means that the nation-state and state often work together on projects, such as Linggiu Reservoir's infrastructure, and the Iskandar Malaysia economic corridor. In particular, the new Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, has had a history of friendly interactions with Singapore.

A Fan of Trains

In 2011, Sultan Ibrahim drove the last train from Tanjong Pagar railway station. He stated that he wished to do this as his grandfather, Ismail of Johor had opened the causeway between Singapore and Malaya in 1923, and that it was appropriate that he should drive the last train out of the station.

Sultan Ibrahim drives the last train out of the station, after taking lessons from Chief Locomotive Inspector Hasnol Azahari Aman

In Dec 2023, he spoke to Singapore's Sunday Times, saying that Malaysia should revive the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) project. The HSR, which was terminated in 2021, has been back on the discussion table since Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim entered office in 2022.

Sultan Ibrahim’s daughter, Tun Aminah, is chairperson of Berjaya Rail and Berjaya Corp, which is one of the companies that submitted a concept proposal for the HSR project.

More than just a figurehead

Sultan Ibrahim previously spoke out about slow COVID-19 vaccination rates in Johor, and also warned lawmakers against making political moves which threaten political stability. It is expected that he will continue to be an outspoken Agong. Like with President Tharman, the region will be watching to see if previously ceremonial appointment holders begin to take a more active hand in guiding their societies.

In Jan 2014, Sultan Ibrahim also decreed that Johor's weekends would be shifted from Sat-Sun to Fri-Sat, in order to allow Muslims to attend Friday prayers. The Johor private sector continued to observe Sat-Sun as the weekend, to synchronise with Singapore. In 2022, there were stirrings that Sultan Ibrahim was considering to undo this change, but there has been no official news since.

Singapore's Jios

Both PM Lee and President Tharman have sent congratulatory letters, inviting Sultan Ibrahim and his wife to make a state visit to Singapore "at your earliest convenience".