Stating the facts: Wong interviewing Sultan Ibrahim at the horse stable of the Istana in Johor. GLENN GUAN/The Star
JOHOR BARU: The Sultan of Johor has paid tribute to the Chinese community in the state, describing them as a pillar of the state’s economy and that they must be recognised for their resilience and hard work.
“They are not pendatang. They were invited to Johor to cultivate our plantations. My forefathers understood the needs of our Chinese guests and they helped to cultivate our plantations.
“Let no one in Johor describe the Chinese as pendatang. They helped to build our economy and they have become Malaysians. They are just as Malaysian as everyone else.