Meet Malaysia’s billionaire king, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, who is set to become the ruler of Malaysia with an estimated net worth of $5.7 billion. He is known for his jaw-dropping collection of 300 luxury cars, including one previously owned by Adolf Hitler. But his wealth doesn’t stop there – he also has a private army and a fleet of private jets. While his role is largely ceremonial, Sultan Ibrahim is an outspoken royal who has expressed his determination not to be a puppet king. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of Malaysia’s new king and his astonishing wealth and influence.
Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, at the age of 65, has been crowned as Malaysia’s new king. He is not only taking over the throne but also has an estimated net worth of $5.7 billion, making him one of the country’s richest men. Sultan Ibrahim is the head of the Johor royal family and will be known by the title His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
This news comes as no surprise, as Malaysia operates a rotating system of monarchy, and Sultan Ibrahim’s election was widely expected. However, what sets him apart is his lavish lifestyle and displays of wealth. He owns an impressive collection of over 300 luxury vintage cars, including one that is rumored to have once belonged to Adolf Hitler.
In addition to his car collection, Sultan Ibrahim is known for his fleet of private jets and even has his own private army. He has a reputation for being outspoken and has expressed his determination not to be a “puppet king.” While his role as king is largely ceremonial, he does have certain parliamentary responsibilities such as appointing a prime minister and granting pardons.
It is important to note that criticizing the king is illegal in Malaysia, and there have been controversies involving the royal family in the past. Some politicians, including former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, have openly spoken out against the sultans’ business dealings.
Sultan Ibrahim’s wife, Raja Zarith Sofiah, is from another royal family and is an Oxford graduate and children’s book author. Together, they form a power couple with wealth and influence in both Malaysia and beyond.
Sultan Ibrahim’s ventures span across various industries, including real estate, mining, telecommunications, and palm oil. He resides in the luxurious Istana Bukit Serene, where his collection of luxury cars is housed. His family’s fortune is estimated at $5.7 billion, but it is believed to be even greater.
His business interests extend beyond Malaysia, as he holds a significant stake in U Mobile, a major cell service provider, and has investments in both private and public companies totaling $588 million. He also owns a vast amount of land in Singapore, worth $4 billion, including Tyersall Park. His investment portfolio stands at a staggering $1.1 billion.
While Sultan Ibrahim’s role as the new ruler of Malaysia is largely ceremonial, it holds significance in the country’s political landscape. His flamboyance and outspokenness make him a unique figure, and he has close ties to Singapore’s leadership and business associations with prominent Chinese developers.
His influence extends beyond his wealth, as he plays a crucial role in major projects through joint ventures with Chinese tycoons, benefiting the Malay community. This positions him as a significant player in the regional economic landscape, particularly with Singapore and China.
So, as Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar takes on his new role as the ruler of Malaysia, we can expect to see both his wealth and influence play a part in shaping the country’s political and economic landscape.