KUALA LUMPUR: A massive 94 per cent of Johoreans, particularly Malays, agree that the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar is a good guardian of Islam in the state, a survey by the ISEAS- Yusof Ishak Institute revealed.
According to the survey, although the Ruler’s and the people’s opinions were not always similar, Sultan Ibrahim “remains a popular figure who is held in high esteem”, the Straits Times reported on Sunday.
“Despite not always seeing eye to eye with conservatives, the 59-year old Ruler remains a popular figure who is held in high esteem by Johoreans, with few daring to oppose him directly,” the survey read.
The survey by ISEAS was released on Nov 10, as part of the institute's study on social, economic and political trends in Johor.
Based on the survey, Johoreans, particularly Malays, were becoming more religious if not more conservative and they prefer Muslims in key leadership positions, with three in four supportive of strict Islamic criminal laws, or hudud.
This was more evident, according to the survey, following the fiasco of a Muslim-only laundry in Muar, Johor which displayed a sign allowing only Muslim customers at the premise.
Upset with the issue, Sultan Ibrahim told the owner of the laundry to stop the discriminatory practice, saying it was embarrassing and against his inclusive vision of a Bangsa Johor.
“This is not a Taliban state and as the Head of Islam in Johor, I find this action to be totally unacceptable as this is extremist in nature,” he was quoted as saying in September.
Due to Sultan Ibrahim’s strong position on the issue, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) analyst Rashaad Ali said the Ruler should be commended for his action.
“Perhaps in this regard, it bodes well for Johor compared to the rest of the nation, since their leader is willing to speak out against religious intolerance.
“Indeed, his assurances have put many Malay moderates and minority races at ease,” he said.