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Tunku Ismail Idris

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In this Malay name, there is no surname or family name. The name Ibrahim is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by their given name, Ismail Idris. The word "ibni" means 'son of'.
Tunku Ismail Idris
تونكو إسماعيل‎
Pemangku Sultan of Johor
Tunku Mahkota of Johor
Ismail in 2024
Regent of Johor
Tenure28 January 2024 – present
Proclamation28 January 2024
PredecessorTunku Ibrahim Ismail
Menteri BesarOnn Hafiz Ghazi
Crown Prince of Johor
Tenure28 January 2010 – present
Proclamation28 January 2010
PredecessorTunku Ibrahim Ismail
Raja MudaTunku Iskandar
BornTunku Ismail Idris Abdul Majid Abu Bakar Iskandar ibni Tunku Ibrahim Ismail
(1984-06-30) 30 June 1984 (age 40)
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Spouse
​
​
(m. 2014)​
Issue
Regnal name
Tunku Ismail ibni Sultan Ibrahim
HouseTemenggong Johor
FatherSultan Ibrahim
MotherRaja Zarith Sofiah
ReligionIslam
Military career
Nickname(s)TMJ
Allegiance Sultan of Johor
Service / branch Royal Johor Military Force
 Indian Army
Years of service2003–present
(active service)
Rank Major General (JMF)
Captain (Indian Army)
Unit61 Cavalry, Jaipur
Johor Military Forces
AwardsBest in riding (2003–2004)

Ismail Idris ibni Ibrahim (Jawi: تونكو إسماعيل ابن سلطان إبراهيم; born 30 June 1984), is the heir apparent to the Johor throne. He is the eldest son of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar and Raja Zarith Sofiah.[1]

Ismail is the Regent (Pemangku Sultan) and Crown Prince (Tunku Mahkota) of Johor. He became the Regent of Johor upon the accession of his father to the throne as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia on 31 January 2024. He was officially proclaimed the Regent of Johor on 28 January 2024.[2][3]

Early life and education

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Tunku Ismail completed his early education at Sekolah Sri Utama and Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan St. Joseph in Johor Bahru. He subsequently received lower secondary education at the Australian International School in Singapore and continued with his higher secondary studies at Hale School in Perth, Western Australia, until 2002.[1][4] Tunku Ismail is the eldest among six siblings. Like his father, Tunku Ismail has no tertiary (academic) qualification.

Following a family tradition of getting trained in armed forces,[5] with his late grandfather in the Malaysian Army and father in the US Army, Tunku Ismail aspired for a career in the Indian Armed Forces.[6] In July 2003, he enrolled as a cadet officer in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), India's premier military training school located at Dehradun.[1] He was commissioned as a lieutenant in December 2004 and absorbed into the Indian Army. He was promoted to the rank of captain in December 2007.[7] His father and grandfather also had trained at IMA.[8]

Prince of Johor

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Tunku Ismail was appointed Raja Muda (literally means "Younger King",[1] but taken to mean as second heir apparent or son of the Crown Prince) on 8 April 2006 by his grandfather, the late Sultan of Johor, and placing him second in line to the throne (Now first in line after the passing of Sultan Iskandar).[1][4] Tunku Ismail was appointed as the Tunku Mahkota of Johor on 28 January 2010.[9]

The Malaysian prince is the first foreigner to lead a unit of the Indian Army in the Indian Republic Day Parade.[6][10][11] On 26 January 2007, with a rank of captain in Indian Army, he led a mounted column of Jaipur-based 61 Cavalry regiment to salute president of India A. P. J. Abdul Kalam during the Republic Day celebrations.[10] The president himself chose Tunku Ismail to lead the unit of around 400 men of the world's only non-ceremonial horse-mounted cavalry.[7] The parade was witnessed by chief guest of the day president of Russia Vladimir Putin and his entourage, along with other dignitaries of Indian politics and military amidst tight security.[7][12] Tunku Ismail's father Tunku Ibrahim Ismail flew in from Johor Bahru on 23 January 2007 to be present at the celebrations while his son added a chapter to the history of the Indian Army.[12]

He is noted for his religious moderation and veiled criticism of more conservative Muslims who denounced him for shaking hands with women in 2016.[13]

On 13 December 2023, Tunku Ismail was proclaimed as the Pro Chancellor of Kolej Universiti Islam Johor Sultan Ibrahim (KUIJSI) at the university's 21st convocation at the Johor Persada International Convention Centre.[14]

Other activities

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Sports

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A polo enthusiast, Tunku Ismail is a skilful horse rider. He was bestowed the Best in Riding award among IMA cadets between 2003 and 2004. He is also a polo player for his regiment and has won many trophies.[1] In football, he is the owner of Johor Darul Ta'zim F.C..[15]

The prince is also a sports car enthusiast. All of his cars are registered under the same licence plate of "TMJ", an abbreviation from the title Tunku Mahkota Johor which is also his nickname as addressed informally by Malaysians within and outside Johor.

His Royal Highness the Tunku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Johor, Tunku Ismail ibni Sultan Ibrahim has been appointed as the President of Johor Football Association (PBNJ). The EGM held in Johor Bahru saw the Crown Prince appointed as the new president replacing the former, Jais Sarday. Among his plans to help bring back Johorean football to its former glory, the Crown Prince merged the Johor teams (which previously were Johor FC, MBJB and MP Muar) into only one where all of the players wear the Jengking (Scorpion) Team Jersey. .[citation needed]

Tunku Ismail's leadership on the club Johor Darul Ta'zim F.C also oversaw its success as the first Southeast Asian club to lift the AFC Cup in 2015.[16]

In 2014, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) appointed the Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim as an advisor to the previous FAM president, his uncle, Sultan Abdullah of Pahang. Tunku Ismail assisted and worked hand in hand with FAM in improving the quality of football within the country, particularly with the national team as well as the junior teams.

As predicted, there were several concerns about the news, particularly with Tunku Ismail having lost the FAM presidency election to Tengku Abdullah earlier that year. Besides that, he had been extremely vocal with his criticisms on the nation's footballing body. However, the then Johor FA president was extremely optimistic about the new role, claiming that he will only be pushing for the betterment of football within the country.[17]

He was elected as President of FAM for a short term from 2017 to 2018.

Controversies

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Crowne Plaza incident

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In the early hours of 24 October 2008, a confrontation occurred between members of the Johor and Negeri Sembilan royal families at a nightclub in Kuala Lumpur. The incident began when a bottle was allegedly thrown by a member of the Johor royalty at Tunku Nadzimuddin Tunku Muzaffar, a 36-year-old prince from the Negeri Sembilan royal family, and his friends. The Johor group left shortly after, while Tunku Nadzimuddin's group continued their night out.[18]

Around 3 AM, Tunku Nadzimuddin received a call from someone claiming to be a member of the Johor royal family. The caller said that Tunku Ismail wanted to apologize for the earlier incident and invited Tunku Nadzimuddin to the Crowne Plaza hotel in Jalan Sultan Ismail. Out of respect, Tunku Nadzimuddin agreed and went to the hotel with his friends.[18]

Upon arrival at the hotel, Tunku Nadzimuddin and his friend, Sham Shuddhuha, a 40-year-old lawyer, were allegedly dragged into an elevator by bodyguards of the Johor royal family. The rest of their friends were stopped in the lobby. In the elevator, they encountered Tunku Ismail, who was reportedly armed with a gun. Tunku Ismail allegedly began assaulting Tunku Nadzimuddin with the gun while his bodyguards attacked Sham Shuddhuha.[18]

The two men were then taken to Room 2523, where they were allegedly confined. Tunku Nadzimuddin suffered a fractured nose, while Sham Shuddhuha fell unconscious and lost two teeth. Taking advantage of a moment alone, Tunku Nadzimuddin sent a text message to his mother, Tunku Dara Naquiah Tuanku Jaafar, asking for help.[18]

Tunku Dara Naquiah contacted the police and rushed to the hotel with her brother and four police officers. After initially being stopped by bodyguards, they gained access to the room and took Tunku Nadzimuddin to Kuala Lumpur Hospital for treatment.[18]

On 24 October 2008, Tunku Nadzimuddin filed a police report about the incident.[19] The case attracted attention due to its involvement of royal family members and raised questions about legal immunity for royalty.[20] The police began an investigation, eventually recording statements from 41 witnesses.[19]

In the months following the incident, the Negeri Sembilan royal family expressed frustration with the perceived lack of progress in the investigation. By September 2009, nearly a year after the event, no charges had been filed against Tunku Ismail or his bodyguards. The Attorney-General, Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, stated that the case was still under investigation and that he would make a decision soon, emphasising the need for care and caution in such sensitive matters.[19]

Assault of e-haling driver

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On 28 May 2024, a deaf Grab driver named Ong Ing Keong was waiting to collect passengers outside the St Regis Hotel in Kuala Lumpur when he was allegedly assaulted by a member of Tunku Ismail's security team.[21] The incident occurred when Ong was asked to move his vehicle as the royal entourage was departing the hotel lobby. A dashcam video later revealed that a man, believed to be a police officer accompanying Tunku Ismail, shouted at Ong before punching him in the face when Ong lowered his window to communicate.[22]

Following the incident, Ong sought treatment at Kuala Lumpur Hospital for soft tissue injuries and lodged a police report at the Brickfields police station around 13:00 on the same day. The case was initially classified under Section 323 of the Penal Code for causing injury.[21] However, later that evening, around 21:59, Kuala Lumpur police chief Rusdi Mohd Isa reported that Ong had filed a second report stating he did not wish to pursue the matter further, describing it as a "misunderstanding" that had been settled amicably.[23]

This turn of events raised suspicions of a potential cover-up. It was later revealed by the Malaysian Deaf Advocacy and Well-being Organisation (DAWN) that Ong had actually filed only one report, while the police had prepared three additional reports which Ong signed without fully understanding their contents. DAWN also alleged that Ong was pressured at the police station to either accept compensation from a palace representative or face having his phone confiscated if the case went to court.[24]

On 31 May, Ong denied withdrawing his initial police report and clarified the circumstances surrounding the additional reports. Meanwhile, Tunku Ismail issued a statement urging a thorough investigation while also claiming there was a "movement" attempting to tarnish the royal institution's reputation.[21]

The case gained renewed attention on 14 August 2024, when rights group Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) released the dashcam footage of the incident during a press conference. LFL lawyers criticised the lack of action against the perpetrator despite clear video evidence, which had been in police possession since the day of the incident.[22] As of 17 August 2024, pressure was mounting on the police and Attorney General to take action, with various parties, including the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), calling for transparency and justice in the case.[25]

Relationship with Syed Saddiq

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The relationship between Tunku Ismail and Muar MP Syed Saddiq has been fraught with tension since Syed Saddiq won his seat in the 2018 general election. In April 2019, Syed Saddiq claimed that Tunku Ismail had made political demands before and after the election, including a request to cancel Manny Pacquiao's boxing match in July 2018, which Syed Saddiq felt he could not fulfil.[26] In December 2018, Tunku Ismail publicly criticised Syed Saddiq for sending birthday wishes to his brother, telling him to "save your sucking up for other people".[27]

The conflict continued into 2021, with Tunku Ismail describing Syed Saddiq as a populist politician in June of that year. Tunku Ismail stated that the country needs honest, innovative, and dedicated politicians, implying that Syed Saddiq did not meet these criteria.[28] In response, Syed Saddiq thanked Tunku Ismail for his concern about Muar's residents and stated he was open to criticism and suggestions.[29]

The situation escalated in September 2021 when Tunku Ismail made a statement suggesting that Syed Saddiq should "jump off KLCC without a parachute" to get his attention. This comment, made during an Instagram Q&A session.[30] Previously, Tunku Ismail had accused Syed Saddiq of being a "drama queen" when the latter started a crowdfunding campaign to cover his legal expenses in July 2021.[31]

Despite the ongoing tension, there have been moments of reconciliation. In December 2021, Syed Saddiq thanked Tunku Ismail in a video for donating RM300,000 to Muar residents and apologised for any past offences to the Johor royal family.[32]

Personal life

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On 24 October 2014, Tunku Ismail married Che' Puan Mahkota Khaleeda at Istana Bukit Serene in a private ceremony. The solemnisation ceremony was performed by Johor mufti Dato' Mohd Tahrir Samsudin. The royal wedding reception took place at the Istana Besar on 8 November 2014.[33]

The couple's first child is a daughter, Tunku Khalsom Aminah Sofiah, born on 25 June 2016. Their second child, a son, Tunku Iskandar Abdul Jalil Abu Bakar Ibrahim, was born 14 October 2017. A third child and second son, Tunku Abu Bakar Ibrahim, was born on 17 July 2019. A fourth child and second daughter, Tunku Zahrah Zarith Aziyah, was born on 21 April 2021.

He is also a half third cousin of Sultan Nazrin Shah, the current Sultan of Perak since both share a common male ancestor Idris Shah I of Perak. He is also a grandnephew as well as nephew by marriage of Al-Sultan Abdullah, the current Sultan of Pahang and an 11th cousin of Tengku Muhammad Ismail, the Crown Prince of Terengganu since they both share a common male ancestor Tun Habib Abdul Majid Al-Aydrus.

Titles and styles

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Styles of
Tunku Ismail
Reference styleHis Royal Highness
Spoken styleYour Royal Highness
Alternative styleTuanku

Tunku Ismail's full style and title in Malay: Duli Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Mahkota Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, D.K., S.P.M.J, S.S.I.J, S.M.J., P.I.S, Pemangku Sultan Johor[34][35]

in English: His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, D.K., S.P.M.J, S.S.I.J, S.M.J., P.I.S, Regent of Johor[36][37]

Honours

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See also: List of honours of the Johor Royal Family by country

Issue

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Name Born Place birth Age
Her Highness Tunku Khalsom Aminah Sofiah Binti Tunku Ismail Idris Abdul Majid Abu Bakar Iskandar (2016-06-25)25 June 2016 Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor 8 years
His Royal Highness Tunku Iskandar Abdul Jalil Abu Bakar Ibrahim Ibni Tunku Ismail Idris Abdul Majid Abu Bakar Iskandar (2017-10-14)14 October 2017 Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor 7 years
His Highness Tunku Abu Bakar Ibrahim Ibni Tunku Ismail Idris Abdul Majid Abu Bakar Iskandar (2019-07-17)17 July 2019 Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor 5 years
Her Highness Tunku Zahrah Zarith Aziyah Binti Tunku Ismail Idris Abdul Majid Abu Bakar Iskandar (2021-04-21)21 April 2021 Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor 3 years

Ancestry

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Johor Ruler's Grandson Appointed Raja Muda. bernama.com. 8 April 2006.
  2. ^ "Tunku Ismail to be appointed Johor Regent on Jan 28". The Star. 27 January 2024. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  3. ^ "Tunku Ismail appointed Regent of Johor". New Straits Times. 28 January 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  4. ^ a b Tunku Mahkota's son named Raja Muda of Johor Archived 10 April 2006 at the Wayback Machine, The star online, Star Publications, 9 April 2006.
  5. ^ His Majesty visits Iskandar Military Camp in Mersing, Johor, RTB News, 8 May 2008
  6. ^ a b Malaysian Prince to Lead Indian Army Unit in Republic Day parade, India Defence, 23 January 2007.
  7. ^ a b c Malaysia's Pride On Show At India's Republic Day Parade, BERNAMA, 26 January 2007.
  8. ^ Johor Ruler's Grandson Appointed Raja Muda. Bernama. 8 April 2006.
  9. ^ Tunku Ismail proclaimed Tunku Mahkota of Johor Archived 4 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine, Star Publications, 28 January 2010.
  10. ^ a b Malaysian prince at home in India, The Hindu, 27 January 2007
  11. ^ Malaysian prince at Republic Day parade Archived 4 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine, The star online Archived 29 October 2017 at the Wayback Machine, Star Publications, 25 January 2007
  12. ^ a b M'sian Prince To Lead Cavalry Unit At India's Republic Day, BERNAMA, 24 January 2007.
  13. ^ "Malaysian democrats pin their hopes on the country's royals". The Economist. 28 January 2017. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
  14. ^ Bernama. (13 December 2022). [1]. Bernama.
  15. ^ Shadiqe, Jasmine (31 December 2012). "Glory cannot be achieved overnight". New Straits Times. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
  16. ^ "JOHOR DARUL TA'ZIM CROWNED AFC CUP CHAMPIONS". the-AFC.com. Asian Football Confederation. 31 October 2015. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
  17. ^ Sundaresan, Keeshaanan (4 October 2014). "TMJ appointed as FAM advisor". FourthOfficial.com. Retrieved 3 October 2014.
  18. ^ a b c d e RM50 million battle royale Archived 22 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine, Fay Angela D'cruz, 2009/09/18, New Straits Times
  19. ^ a b c Royal brawl: Negri prince disappointed, but A-G promises action (Update), 17 September 2009, The Star (Malaysia), Archive:https://web.archive.org/web/20180618130045/https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2009/09/17/royal-brawl-negri-prince-disappointed-but-ag-promises-action-update/
  20. ^ Malaysian princes come to blows, Leslie Lopez, South-east Asia Correspondent, 31 October 2008, The Straits Times, Archive: https://web.archive.org/web/20110610212845/http://www.malaysianbar.org.my/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=19127
  21. ^ a b c "'Uncalled for': Johor regent slams efforts linking alleged attack by security officer on deaf driver to royals". CNA. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  22. ^ a b "Dashcam clip of TMJ escort assaulting disabled Grab driver revealed". MalaysiaNow. 14 August 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  23. ^ "Kes pengiring kerabat: Laporan kedua mangsa kata isu selesai". Malaysiakini. 29 May 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  24. ^ "Pressure mounts on police, AG as attacker of deaf Grab driver still not charged". MalaysiaNow. 17 August 2024. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  25. ^ financetwitter (2 June 2024). "Deaf Grab Driver Assaulted By Royal Bodyguard – How Police Cover-Up Will Bring Back Johor Sultanate's 1992 Scandal - FinanceTwitter". FinanceTwitter - Money Finance Economy Business Invest News. Retrieved 19 August 2024. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  26. ^ Ishak, Fadhli (23 April 2019). "Syed Saddiq: TMJ made demands I could not meet | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
  27. ^ "Save your sucking up for others, Johor crown prince tells Syed Saddiq | The Malaysian Insight". www.themalaysianinsight.com. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
  28. ^ ALI, KHAIRUL MOHD (5 June 2021). "Syed Saddiq ahli politik populis - TMJ". Utusan Malaysia (in Malay). Retrieved 26 August 2024.
  29. ^ Hadir, Shawaliah (5 June 2021). "Terima kasih TMJ kerana sentiasa prihatin - Syed Saddiq". MalaysiaGazette. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
  30. ^ "TMJ tells Syed Saddiq to 'jump off KLCC without a parachute' in latest roast".
  31. ^ Reporters, F. M. T. (23 July 2021). "Syed Saddiq a 'drama queen', says TMJ over fundraiser". Syed Saddiq a ‘drama queen’, says TMJ over fundraiser. Retrieved 26 August 2024.
  32. ^ YON, FIRDAUS (22 May 2019). "Tunku Ismail hormati pandangan Syed Saddiq". Sinar Harian (in Malay). Retrieved 26 August 2024.
  33. ^ Farhaan Shah, Mohd (9 November 2014). "Big crowd at Johor royal wedding". AsiaOne. The Star/Asia News Network. Archived from the original on 11 November 2014. Retrieved 10 November 2014.
  34. ^ (28 Januari 2024). Sultan Ibrahim, Sultan Yang Dipertuan bagi negeri dan jajahan takhluk Johor Darul Takzim telah berkenan melantik Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim sebagai Pemangku Sultan Johor bermula hari ini. Harian Metro. Dicapai pada 28 Januari 2024.
  35. ^ "DYAM Tunku Mahkota Johor".
  36. ^ (28 January 2024). With this appointment, the heir to the Johor throne will henceforth be known as His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail, The Regent of Johor. The Star (Malaysia).
  37. ^ "HRH CROWN PRINCE OF JOHOR".

Further reading

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[edit]
Tunku Ismail Idris
Born: 30 June 1984
Malaysian royalty
Lines of succession
Preceded by Line of succession to the throne of Johor
1st in line 		Followed by

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