Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has decided to revoke all the Justice of Peace awards in the state with immediate effect.
Johor Council of Royal Court secretary Datuk Abdul Rahim Ramli said Sultan Ibrahim felt that the award was no longer relevant in today’s times.
“Previously the JPs were acting as second-class magistrates to handle minor offences with fines of up to RM300 such as stealing chicken or riding a bicycle without lights.
“Now, we have magistrates in all districts in Johor and the ruler feels that it is no longer relevant.
“Sultan Ibrahim has decided to revoke the award including all the powers that come with it,” he said, adding that Johor would be the first state to abolish the award.
Abdul Rahim said that since the award was introduced in 1948, a total of 55 JPs were issued until 1980.
“We have not issued a single JP for the past 31 years. Our records show that only four JPs are still alive and they will be notified and advised to surrender their warrants to the palace,” he said during a press conference here yesterday.
Abdul Rahim reiterated that besides being regarded as second-class magistrates, there were no other privileges for Johor JPs such as insignia, allowances or even an association.
He said the Sultan had decided to revoke the awards after consultation with the Johor Council of Royal Court and also the state government.
On another matter, Abdul Rahim also presented a complete list of titles for all members of the royal family including for the royal consort, the sultan’s children and other family members.
“The late Sultan Iskandar’s wives will now be known as Tunku Puan Zanariah Iskandar and Tunku Puan Nora Ismail,” he said, adding that they would be allowed to fly the flag of the royal household when attending official events with the Sultan.
Abdul Rahim also said the palace would no longer use the Sultanah title for the consort.
