JOHOR BARU - Among the thousands who made their way to the Hari Raya open house hosted by the Johor royal family at Istana Pasir Pelangi here was a group of star-struck Japanese.
Muslim convert Faruq Shoji Nishikawa has only stayed in Malaysia for three months but he is already a big fan of Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.
The 38-year-old teacher, who was with five Japanese friends, got to meet and shake hands with the Ruler for the first time at the open house yesterday.
“Even before meeting him, I already felt that the Sultan is a friendly person based on all the smiles on the faces of the other visitors.
“My perception was proven true when I met him in person. He was very welcoming when my friends and I told him that we are from Japan and he even allowed us to take a quick photo with him,” he said.
Faruq, who teaches Japanese at a school in Seri Alam here, said a colleague had invited him to join the open house.
“Although I missed the Hari Raya celebrations with my family because my wife and child have gone back to Indonesia, I feel truly happy that I was able to experience it with the local community,” he added.
His friend Tsukamoto Koichi, 51, said he was honoured to have met the Ruler.
“We did not expect him to greet the people in person,” he said.
Those who turned up at the open house were treated to an array of local dishes and fast food.
Sultan Ibrahim and his daughter, Tunku Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, greeted visitors before having a meal with the rest of the royal family and their friends. - ANN
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