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| Sultan Ismail was Sultan of Johor from 1959 till 1981. Major political changess had taken place and on "paper" the powers to "rule" has shifted from the Sultans to the politicians.However in practice in the early days the politicians had still to keep on the "right" side of the Sultan for their political survival. But as time went on this began to change.and Sultan Ismail became concerned about his successor to the throne. In 1961 he had replaced Tungku Mahmood with Tungku Abdul Rahman as the Tungku Mahkota. Unfortunatly Tungku Abdul Rahman did not have the very strong personality that Tungku Mahmood had to withstand the "palace and political intriges". Thus in the end he decided to reappoint Tungku Mahmood as the Tungku Mahkota. |
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| Sultan Ibrahim (left) succeeded his father Sultan Abu Bakar in 1865 and was the Sultan of Johor until 1959. During his reign of 64 years, Johor continued to progress as modern and sophisticated State . The Pangkor Treaty of 1874, leading to the appointment of British Residents, has accelerated the process of intervention and control of the Malay States by Britain. Though Johor was economically very sound and administratively efficient, security wise peaceful and politically in very good terms with Sultan Ibrahim could not avoid the British Empire's expanding policy of having a foot hold in Johor. Thus he accepted a British Advisor in 1914. |
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| Trade between Johor and Singapore continued to thrive. To impove the transportation a causeway was built across the Straits of Johor in 1922. Picture right shows the causeway being constructed |
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| The present Sultan of Johor is Sultan Iskandar (picture right). He was born in Johor Baru on 8th April 1932 To those of us who knew him from our school days he was Tungku Mahmood until he became Sultan when his preference for name was Sultan "Iskandar". He has a very strong personality but is also quick tempered. This has led him on a few occasions to take the law into his own hands forgetting the fact that times have changed. "Encouraged" by those who wish to see his downfall the mass media has given wide publicity to these events but neglecting to cover the "good side" of him. No less a person then Tunku Abdul Rahman our 1st Prime Minister has described him as "a man of admirable qualities". Johor and its people irrespective of race or religion are his primary interest. Being a fearless person and with full of energy with a lot of innovative ideads he has contributed towards the continued progress and prosperity of Johor |
| Sultan Iskandar of Johor with his family |
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| Sultan Ishandar (in white short sleeve shirt) at an informal party in his brother Tungku Abdul Rahman's house. I am on his right with the microphone. |