In the wake of the uproar over the “Muslims-only” laundrette in Muar earlier this week, the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, and Johor prince Tunku Idris had condemned the action by the owner of the laundrette.
The strong anti-extremist stance by the Johor royalty and their condemnation of those wanting to discriminate based on religion was praised by many Malaysians, with some even expressing a desire to move to the state.
Now, Tunku Ismail, or TMJ as he is popularly referred to, has expressed his hope to transform the country in the same way he has already transformed the fortunes of the Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) football club.
In an interview with FourFourTwo, TMJ spoke of the challenges he has set himself outside of football.
“What’s my goal? Changing the mentality and mindset, not obtaining success. That is my biggest mission and will be my biggest fight.
“My greatest battle will be soon to come and it’s not football. It’s education and healthcare. That will be my family’s biggest fight for the country.
“We can change from here in Johor and hope everyone else follows,” TMJ told the football publication.
TMJ also revealed that taking JDT to its current level of success over the years has never been only about football.
“Football brings people together and I am using football as platform for the state too. Therefore, JDT is an asset of the state in uniting the people,” said Tunku Ismail.
“When you talk about JDT as just a football club participating in Malaysia, it is wrong. It’s bigger than a club, it symbolises Johor.
“(Supporters’ club) the Boys of Straits’ banner has different languages, all promoting Bangsa Johor. This is because JDT gives Johoreans a sense of belonging and gives us a reason to boast about being a proud Johorean,” he was quoted as saying by FourFourTwo.
Conscientious royalty
TMJ has always been a controversial character when it comes to local football but he is also a conscientious member of royalty, whose remarks about current affairs have received wide publicity.
In August last year, he met with Prime Minister Najib Razak and the two discussed the political situation and other issues in the country.
Prior to his meeting with Najib, TMJ had gone on the talk show, “Obviously Harith Iskander”, offering to pass on any messages that the people wanted to send to the prime minister.
Getting back to football and especially the future of JDT, TMJ told FourFourTwo about how the club will attract the best players and continue to grow by improving the facilities available.
“The Johor government gave the club 70 acres of land for the stadium. We are only using 30, the balance of 40 will be developed. That is how we will sustain and expand.