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Situated at the southern end of Peninsula
Malaysia, Johor is the third largest state in the country. It was named
after the Sungei Johor, which is the longest river in the state.
Economically, it is one of the most important states in the country with
various large plantations. They include commodities such as rubber, palm
oil, and pineapple. On top of agricultural products, Johor is also
becoming an industrial base. It has even developed to become one of the
most populated states with Johor Bahru (JB), its capital city, as the
second-largest city in Malaysia. A causeway and a railway line connect JB
to Singapore, thus making it easier to travel to and from each
country.
It is believed that Sultan Mahmud Shah, the
last ruler of Malacca, founded Johor when he was forced to flee from the
Portuguese in 1511. After his death, his son Alauddin Riayat Shah moved
the capital to Kota Tinggi in Johor. He was able to build a strong
kingdom, was feared by many, and was able to make Johor a preeminent Malay
state. However, this did not mean the end of turmoil and fights. In the
16th Century, the state was attacked by the Portuguese followed by the
Achinese from Sumatra, and later the Bugis from Sundawesi (Celebes).
However, the Malay rulers of Johor managed to hold their own fort against
all odds.
When Sir Stamford Raffles set foot in
Singapore in 1819, he witnessed the factional war within the court of the
Johor Sultan, which was divided by Malay and Bugis factions. He pensioned
off the sultans and gave actual power to the "temenggong" (Malay
minister). Temenggong Abu Bakar was given that privilege to rule Johor. He
elevated himself to the position of Sultan of Johor in 1886. He persevered
to build up the state and to modernize its administration. He established
Johor Bahru (New Johor) as the capital city and began modernizing it. He
was thus aptly called "The Father of Modern Johor". Johor finally became
part of the Federation of Malaya in 1948.
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