PETALING JAYA – The Johor monarchy has never taken from the rakyat, and in fact has donated its entire state government allocations to its people since the late 1800’s, according to the state palace.
The statement comes in light of a revelation that about a quarter of a billion ringgit had purportedly been spent on Sultan Muhammad V in the 16 months since he became the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
In the post uploaded on the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s Facebook page today, it said the initiative by the state sultans to donate their incomes to Johoreans began in the era of Sultan Sir Ibrahim Sultan Abu Bakar in 1899.
“This initiative was then continued and adjusted during the reign of Sultan Iskandar Sultan Ismail, where the allocations were channelled to a foundation known as the Sultan Iskandar Foundation.
“In fact, when he was the Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 1984 to 1989, all of his salary and allowances given by the federal government were donated to the foundation,” it said.
According to the palace, the foundation not only provides assistance to the poor, but was also used to fund education, disaster relief and computer literacy projects.
The statement added that all revenue and income of the Johor Sultanate comes from plantation management, and several other businesses including in properties, since the time of the late Sultan Sir Ibrahim to date.
The palace also said the current state ruler Sultan Ibrahim himself has his own foundation aimed at providing aid in education, welfare, scholarships for poor students, healthcare and assistance to the senior citizens and people with disabilities.
“The funds for the foundation are contributed from all the royal allowances received by the Sultan,” it said.
Meanwhile, Johor Crown Prince, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim will be giving away supermarket vouchers to the hardcore poor, in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
A post on the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page last night said he would be awarding the vouchers to the 500 poorest families in every district in the state.
“HRH Major General Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, the Crown Prince of Johor awarded supermarket vouchers to 500 poorest families in every district throughout the state in preparation for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations,” it said.
About 5,000 families are set to benefit, with Johor having a total of 10 districts.
– Sundaily
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