JOHOR BAHRU, May 6 (Bernama) — The Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar today bestowed the state’s highest Order of Chivalry on Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in a special investiture ceremony held at Istana Besar, here this morning.
According to the Sultan of Johor’s official Facebook post, Lee, 70, received The Most Honourable Order of the Crown of Johor (First Class), “Dato’ Sri Paduka Mahkota Johor” (S.P.M.J), which carries the title “Dato”.
His wife, Ho Ching, who recently retired as Temasek Holdings chief executive officer, was also honoured with The Most Exalted Order of Sultan Ibrahim Johor (First Class), “Dato’ Sri Mulia Sultan Ibrahim Johor” (S.M.I.J.) which carries the title “Datin Paduka”.
The investiture, which was steeped in tradition and ceremony, was also graced by the Permaisuri of Johor, Raja Zarith Sofiah Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah, the Crown Prince of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim as well as other members of the Johor Royal Family.
Johor had previously also bestowed Orders of Chivalry on Singapore leaders as a testimony of the warm and close friendship it enjoys with its immediate neighbour.
They include the late former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who received the SPMJ award on 9th April 1984 in conjunction with the late Sultan Iskandar’s 52nd birthday.
Sources: BERNAMA