KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia prepares to witness the installation of His Majesty King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia the nation reflects on the remarkable journey that has led the royals to this momentous occasion.
Sultan Ibrahim, born on Nov 22, 1958, at Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru, is the eldest son of Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail and Almarhumah Enche' Besar Hajah Khalsom Abdullah.
His educational foundation was laid at Taman Didikan Kanak-Kanak Tunku Ampuan Mariam and Sekolah Temenggong Abdul Rahman (1) in Johor Baru, followed by Trinity Grammar School in Sydney, Australia, and English College (Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar) for his secondary education.
Sultan Ibrahim's pursuit of knowledge extended to religious education at Sekolah Agama Ayer Molek, Johor Baru.
His Majesty's early exposure to military training at the Malaysian Army Training School in Kota Tinggi paved the way for his distinguished career in defence.
He excelled in the Young Officers Tactical Course and further honed his skills at the United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, and the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Centre and School in Fort Bragg.
Sultan Ibrahim's commitment to service and excellence was underscored by his completion of rigorous training, including parachute jumps, earning him accolades such as the Green Beret and membership in elite military units like the US Seals and Indonesian Red Beret.
Upon returning to Johor, Sultan Ibrahim underwent helicopter pilot training with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), solidifying his comprehensive military expertise across all branches of Malaysia's armed forces.
His pursuit of higher education at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in Boston, USA, complemented his military training, preparing him for his future role as a just and respected ruler.
In service to the Johor state government, Sultan Ibrahim gained invaluable administrative experience in various capacities, preparing him for leadership.
He was proclaimed Crown Prince of Johor on July 3, 1981, and married Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah Binti Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah of Perak on Sept 22, 1982. Their union, beginning at Istana Pasir Pelangi in Johor Baru in 1983, has been blessed with five princes and one princess.
The royal couple are blessed with – Johor Crown Prince and now Regent Tunku Ismail Idris, Tunku Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, Tunku Idris Iskandar Ismail Abdul Rahman, the late Tunku Abdul Jalil Iskandar Ibrahim Ismail, Tunku Abdul Rahman Hassanal Jeffri and Tunku Abu Bakar Mahmood Iskandar Ibrahim.
Throughout their marriage, Sultan Ibrahim and Queen Raja Zarith Sofiah have embraced their responsibilities with sincerity and dedication.
They have balanced their royal duties with a deep commitment to family life, setting an exemplary standard of service and leadership.
Sultan Iskandar is the fifth Sultan of modern Johor, ascending to the throne following the death of his father, Sultan Iskandar, in 2010.
He was officially crowned through a royal ceremony on March 23, 2015, at Istana Pasir Pelangi in Johor.
On Oct 27, 2023, the Conference of Rulers elected him as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King of Malaysia), replacing Al-Sultan Abdullah Riayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah of Pahang.
During this time, the Conference of Rulers also elected the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizziddin Shah to a third term as the Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
His official swearing-in at Istana Negara was held on Jan 31, 2024, ahead of the planned installation which will be held at Istana Negara tomorrow.
The celebration started yesterday with the Yassin prayer and Doa Selamat Recital ceremony and continued with special Friday prayers at the Masjid Negara, before the grand installation at 10am tomorrow.