Tunku Ismail Ibrahim

Infobox Military Person


name=Tunku Ismail Idris Abdul Majid Abu Bakar Iskandar bin Tunku Ibrahim Ismail
lived=born 30 June 1984
placeofbirth=Johor Bahru, Malaysia
placeofdeath=
|caption=
nickname=Tunku Ismail Ibrahim
allegiance=Republic of India
serviceyears=Since 2003
rank=Captain
branch=Indian Army
commands=
unit=61 Cavalry regiment, Jaipur
battles=
awards=Best in riding (2003-2004)
relations=Grandson of Sultan of Johor
laterwork=

Tunku Ismail Idris Abdul Majid Abu Bakar Iskandar bin Tunku Ibrahim Ismail (born 30 June 1984 [http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news_lite.php?id=190803 Johor Ruler's Grandson Appointed Raja Muda] , [http://www.bernama.com BERNAMA] , 8 April 2006.] ) is an officer of the Indian Army and prince of Johor, a state in Malaysia. He is also known as Tunku Ismail Idris.

Tunku Ismail is the eldest son of current Tunku Mahkota (crown prince) Tunku Ibrahim Ismail and his consort Raja Zarith Sofiah Sultan Idris Shah. He is the grandson of the incumbent Sultan of Johor, Sultan Iskandar.

Tunku Ismail was appointed Raja Muda (second in line to the throne) on 8 April 2006 by his grandfather, the Sultan of Johor. [http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/4/9/nation/13915164&sec=nation Tunku Mahkota’s son named Raja Muda of Johor] , [http://thestar.com.my The star online] , Star Publications, 9 April 2006.]

Early life and education

Tunku Ismail completed his early education at Sekolah Sri Utama and Sekolah Rendah Kebangsaan St. Joseph in Johor Bahru. He subsequently received secondary education at the Australian International School in Singapore and pursued his higher studies at Hale School in Perth, Australia, till 2002.

Career and interests

Following a family tradition of getting trained in armed forces, with his grandfather in the Malaysian Army and father in the U.S. Army, Tunku Ismail aspired for a career in the Indian armed forces. [http://www.india-defence.com/reports/2832 Malaysian Prince to Lead Indian Army Unit in Republic Day parade] , [http://india-defence.com India Defence] , 23 January 2007.] In July 2003, he enrolled as a cadet officer in the Indian Military Academy (IMA), India’s premier military training school located at Dehradun. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in December 2004 and absorbed into the Indian army. He was promoted to the rank of captain in December 2007. [http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=243528 Malaysia's Pride On Show At India's Republic Day Parade] , [http://www.bernama.com BERNAMA] , 26 January 2007.] He is the first ever Malaysian royal to join the Indian armed forces.

The Malaysian prince is the first foreigner to lead a unit of Indian Army in the Indian Republic Day Parade. [http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/27/stories/2007012719781400.htm Malaysian prince at home in India] , [http://www.hindu.com The Hindu] , 27 Jan 2007 ] [http://thestaronline.com/news/story.asp?file=/2007/1/25/nation/16669479&sec=nation Malaysian prince at Republic Day parade] , [http://thestaronline.com The star online] , Star Publications, 25 January 2007] On 26 January 2007, with a rank of captain in Indian Army, he led a mounted column of Jaipur based 61 Cavalry regiment to salute president of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam during the Republic Day celebrations. The president himself chose Tunku Ismail to lead the unit of around 400 men of the world's only non-ceremonial horse-mounted cavalry. The parade was witnessed by chief guest of the day president of Russia Vladimir Putin and his , along with other dignitaries of Indian politics and military amidst tight security. [http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news.php?id=243045 M'sian Prince To Lead Cavalry Unit At India's Republic Day] , [http://www.bernama.com BERNAMA] , 24 January 2007.] Tunku Ismail's father Tunku Ibrahim Ismail flew in from Johor Bahru on 23 January 2007 to be present at the celebrations while his son added a chapter to the history of Indian Army.

A Polo enthusiast, Tunku Ismail is a skillful horse rider. He was bestowed the "Best in Riding" award among IMA cadets for year 2003-2004. He is also a polo player for his regiment and has won many trophies.

Royal honors

Tunku Ismail was conferred with the following royal honors:

* Darjah Mahkota Johor Yang Amat Mulia Pangkat Ketiga Setia Mahkota Johor (SMJ) in 2004.
* Pangkat Pertama Darjah Mahkota Johor Yang Amat Mulia, Seri Paduka Mahkota Johor (SPMJ) in 2005.
* Darjah Kerabat Yang Amat Dihormati Pangkat Kedua (DK II) in 2006.

See also

* Sultan of Johor
* Sultanate of Johor
* Tunku Ibrahim Ismail
* Republic Day Parade
* Indian Army

References