JOHOR BARU: Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has reminded state leaders of their responsibilities and warned that state executive councillors who fail to carry out their duties may be replaced.

“As the state ruler, I have been given the powers in the state’s constitution to appoint the Mentri Besar and state executive councillors from the elected representatives.

“As the person who appoints, I too have a responsibility to monitor and ensure those who have been appointed carry out their duties well, honestly and are trustworthy for the benefit of the people,” he said during his speech in conjunction with his 60th birthday celebrations at Istana Besar here on Thursday (Nov 22).

He added that if a state executive councillor failed in carrying out his or her duties, then he would discuss with the Mentri Besar to take action including replacing the exco.

“All excos need to work together with the Mentri Besar and should always work as a team and not for self-interest or following the political party that they represent,” he added.

“Do not be a thorn in the flesh,” he added.

Johor has 10 state executive councillors.

Sultan Ibrahim also reminded that although the state leadership has changed, their paramount agenda must always be to develop the state for the people.

It was, he said, their duty and responsibility.

Sultan Ibrahim added that all development projects that were carried out should be done based on the needs of the people and state and not due to urges or politicians' benefit.

“One example is the Bas Muafakat Johor project, which provides free buses for the people; it is a good initiative and needs to be expanded.

“There is no need to change the name of the project to Bas Harapan Johor,” he added.

Some 62 people received medals and titles in conjunction with Sultan Ibrahim’s birthday.

Mentri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian headed the state’s honours list.

He received the Darjah Mahkota Johor Yang Amat Mulia Pangkat Pertama Dato' Sri Paduka Mahkota Johor (SPMJ) which carries the title ‘Datuk'.

Another recipient of the SPMJ award is Johor State Secretary Datuk Azmi Rohani.

Five people received the Darjah Sultan Ibrahim Johor Yang Amat Disanjungi Pangkat Kedua Dato' Mulia Sultan Ibrahim Johor (DMIJ), which also carries the title ‘Datuk'.

They are Johor Baru City Council mayor Amran A. Rahman; Johor Land and Mines director Mohd Halim Hasbullah; Iskandar Puteri City Council mayor Adib Azhari Daud; deputy state secretary (development) Ramlee A. Rahman and Sultan of Johor's ADC SAC Sugumaran Raman.

Twenty-six people will receive the Darjah Sultan Ibrahim Johor Yang Amat Disanjungi Pangkat Ketiga Setia Mulia Sultan Ibrahim Johor (SIJ).

Meanwhile, 29 others will receive the Sultan Ibrahim Johor Medal Second Class (PSI II).

Members of the public, he said, would be invited to take part in a tea ceremony in conjunction with the Johor Ruler’s birthday, to be held at the Hockey Stadium in Batu Pahat on Nov 24.