| Royal Johor Military Force | |
|---|---|
| Askar Timbalan Setia Negeri Johor عسكر تيمبلن ستيا نڬري جوهر | |
| Founded | 11 May 1886; 139 years ago (1886-05-11) |
| Country |  Malaysia |
| Allegiance |  Sultan of Johor |
| Type | Private army,Royal guard,Foot guards |
| Role |
|
| Size | 425[1] |
| Garrison/HQ | Sultan Ibrahim Camp,Johor Bahru |
| Nicknames | "Sultan's Own Bodyguards"[2] "The Sultan's Troops"[3] |
| Patron | Sultan of Johor |
| Motto | Taat dengan setia ('Obey faithfully') |
| Colours |
|
| Anniversaries | 11 May |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Commandant | Sultan Ibrahim Ismail, theSultan of Johor |
| Commanding officer | Major GeneralTunku Ismail Idris, theCrown Prince of Johor |
| Second-in-command | Major Ahmad Hamdan Libar[4] |
| Insignia | |
| Flag |  |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Helicopter | Sikorsky 76 B |
TheRoyal Johor Military Force (Abbr.: JMF;Malay:Askar Timbalan Setia Negeri Johor — ATSNJ; “Johor State’s Loyal Deputy Army”) (Jawi:عسكر تيمبلن ستيا نڬري جوهر) is anindependent military force of thestate ofJohor and the privateroyal guard ofSultan of Johor inMalaysia. The JMF is Malaysia's oldest active military unit still in operation and the only military in the Federation that is maintained by a state.[3][5] The force comes under the control of the Sultan. Its headquarters are located atSultan Ibrahim Camp,Johor Bahru.[5]
The retention of the army was one of the stipulations in 1946 which Johor made when it participated in theFederation of Malaya.[6] The Ninth Schedule of theConstitution of Malaysia states that theMalaysian federal government is solely responsible for foreign policy and military forces in the country.[7] The JMF will be involved under theMalaysian Armed Forces (MAF) during any kind of emergency and armed conflict as aninfantry unit.[8]
The JMF was established and raised in 1886 during the reign of the firstSultan of Modern Johor,Sultan Abu Bakar.[5] Johor was the first and only Malay state (theFederated Malay States and theUnfederated Malay States) to have its modern military force. At the time there was no other Malay state with its own army.[9] Its inception was based on the Anglo-Johor Treaty of 1885 signed by Sultan Abu Bakar andQueen Victoria in London, the United Kingdom to uphold peace and protect Johor includingSingapore from outside threats then.[10] On the basis of the treaty, Sultan Abu Bakar gave his support to the established of a British-controlled police force, namelyPasukan Setia Negeri ('Loyal State Force'), inside Johor.[3][2] TheJohore Constabulary Forces were then established by the Sultan to act as a backup for the British organised police and also to balance the authority given to them.[8][11] It is later renamed toTimbalan Setia Negeri (TSN;transl. 'Loyal State Deputy').[12]
Initially, the TSN was formed with only 60 JohoreanMalays and led by Syed Mohammed Nong Yahya, who was a police officer in the British Police Force. They were tasked to protect the Sultan as bodyguards, and also to work together with the British Police Forces to enforces the law. In the same time, the Sultan also employed 20Sikh soldiers led by Major Daud Sulaiman as theIstana ('Palace') Guard tasked to protect the royal palaces' surroundings.[12] One year after its establishment, the Sultan upgraded the forces into a military force and changed its name intoAngkatan Timbalan Setia Negeri (ATSN;transl. 'Loyal State Deputy Forces'). The Malays members were trained asinfantry soldiers while the Sikhs asartillery gunners. AnEnglish army officer, Captain Newland was appointed as theOfficer commanding (OC) of the unit.[13] Even upgraded into a military unit, the ATSN still entrusted with the roles of protecting public safety and enforcing the law. Their job at this time is similar to theGendarmerie.[12]
In 1895,Sultan Ibrahim was appointed as JMF Colonel Commandant and the Force was further strengthened by the formation of the Johor Volunteer Forces (JVF). In the early 1900s, the name was changed to its current title —Askar Timbalan Setia Negeri (ATSN;transl. 'Loyal State Deputy Troops').[12] The current English name, theJohor Military Forces (JMF), was introduced in 1905 after three of its main unit (Infantry, Artillery and theIstana Guard) were merged into one.[12] The JMF personnel was increased to 576 in 1915: 394 infantry soldiers, 98 artillery soldiers and 84 other personnel. Sultan Ibrahim then appointed Lieutenant Colonel Tompkins and Sergeant Major Claymore to provide training and instruction. Sultan Ibrahim was the first ruler to bestow newRoyal Military colours to the JMF during aPresentation of Colours ceremony when the force celebrated its 30th anniversary on 11 May 1916.[14] In 1940 and 1941, Sultan Ibrahim sent a small number of officers toDehra Dun,India to undergo military training aimed at improving the effectiveness of the Johor military. In 1942, after theJapanese occupation of Malaya, the JMF was disbanded and later been revived back inc. 1948.[3][2][11][15]
In 1992, during the1993 constitutional crisis, thefederal government under the leadership ofMahathir Mohamad proposed to disband JMF,[16] due to its involvement in theGomez incident[17][18] and reports of alleged extortion on members of the public.[19] On 4 July 1994, the government officially tabled the Johore Military Forces (Disbandment and Repeal) Bill 1994[20] to theDewan Rakyat,[21][22] the bill was however withdrawn two days later on 6 July.[23][24] Despite the withdrawal, the government has on several occasions hinted JMF may still be disbanded in the future.[25][26] During the crisis,Sultan Iskandar has sought legal advice from the formerLord President of the Supreme Court,Tun Salleh Abas, who opined that JMF is part of the Johor monarch's royal privileges and cannot be deprived without the Sultan's consent under theFederal Constitution. This was concurred byNeil Lawson, aQueen's Counsel that once involved in the drafting of Malaya's constitution in 1957.[27][28][29] The plan to disband JMF did not materialise and JMF has continue to exist ever since.[18][30]
The roles of the JMF have expanded during the history of the Force. Initially, it was established for Johor's safety and the king's protection.[31] They later become aGendarmerie unit tasked to protect the public safety in Johor. Some of them were assigned aspalace Guards, guarding the palaces belonging to the Johor royal family.[12]
JMF is believed to be the oldest military unit in Malaysia with significant historical roles, especially in the suppression of the1915 Singapore Mutiny and in bothWorld Wars.[32] DuringWorld War I, the JMF was loaned to the British military. As the Johor State Forces, it played a significant role in the suppression and capturing the Indian soldiers of5th Light Infantry who deserted in the "Singapore Mutiny" incident.[8][33] They were tasked to assist the British asprison guards for the German POW camp (Tanglin Barracks) inSingapore, maintaining the security of government premises in Singapore, and patrol on Pulau Brani and Pulau Belakang Mati (now known as Sentosa Island). Besides that, they also tasked to guard the main road inMersing,Kluang andBatu Pahat, and the Britishmilitary airbase in Kluang (now become the HQ ofMalaysian Army Aviation).[34]
The modern JMF's roles is a second line of defence right after theMalaysian Armed Forces (MAF).[31] Their main roles are to protect Sultan of Johor, his royal family and properties.[35] The JMF troops will be tasked with guard duty at four royal palaces in Johor Bahru. Beside the palaces, they are also tasked to guarding the JMF's camps, military posts, marching band's building, royaldock androyal yachts. They also tasked to become theGuard of honour during official ceremonies and foreign delegations visit to Johor.[36]
Their secondary roles are as a standby infantry unit for the MAF in case of emergency or armed conflict.[8] During an emergency, the JMF will be put under the command of the MAF.[8]
The following are rank insignia for commissioned officers for the Johor Military Force.
| Rank group | General / flag officers | Senior officers | Junior officers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Johor Military Force |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | No insignia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Komandan | Mejar Jeneral | Brigedier Jeneral | Mejar | Kapten | Leftenan | Leftenan Muda | Pegawai Kadet | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notes: | Honorary only. Now only reserved for the Sultan | Rank for the Commanding officer of JMF. Was reserved for the Sultan only, until 2017 | Rank for the Deputy Commanding officer of JMF. Was reserved for the Crown prince only, until 2017[37] | Rank for the Second-in-command of JMF. Most senior non-royal appointments | In charge ofcompany or leader of smaller specialised team such as marching band and special force | In charge ofIstana Guardsplatoons | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The JMF has complicated ranks for its officers. It has the ranks of major general and brigadier general even though the overall strength of the JMF is more and less of a battalion. The history of the ranks begin in February 1941 when the strength of the JMF isc. 2000 soldiers and the Johor Volunteer Forces (JVF) isc. 1000 soldiers.Sultan Ibrahim as the commandant of both forces combined the forces and promoted the JMF's Second-in-Command of that time, Lieutenant Colonel Dato’ Haji Yahya into the rank of colonel. One month later, the Sultan assumed the rank of major-general. After World War II and the establishment ofMalayan Union, the strength of JMF was reduced into 100 soldiers. With the Sultan's rank as Major General of the JMF made redundant, the Sultan was instead appointed an honorary major general in the British Army in 1947.[3]
The present-day JMF's rank of major general is an honorary rank reserved only for the Sultan from 1947 until 2017, while the rank of brigadier general is reserved only for the Crown Prince. In March 2017, the Crown Prince orTunku Mahkota of Johor,Tunku Ismail was promoted to major general for his achievement in modernising the JMF.[38]
The following are rank insignia for other ranks for the Johor Military Force.
| Rank group | Senior NCOs | Junior NCOs | Enlisted | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Johor Military Force |  |  |  |  |  | No insignia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pegawai Waren/Sarjan Mejar | Staf Sarjan | Sarjan | Korporal | Lans Korporal | Prebet | Rekrut | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
There is two commandant post throughout the history of JMF. It is theCommandant Colonel of JMF and theCommandant of JMF. The Commandant Colonel of JMF is reserved only for the Sultan while the Commandant of JMF was the most professional non-royal appointments appointed by the Sultan to lead the force. The first Commandant of JMF is Captain C. N. C. Newland of the 2nd BattalionSouth Irish Division,Royal Artillery, who was appointed as an instructor and commandant in 1887. The position of Commandant of JMF was abolished in the 1920s and replaced with the position of Military Advisor (the most senior positions for European) and Second-in-Command (the most senior positions for locals). The Sultan assumed the post of Commandant Colonel cum Commanding officer of JMF. The Sultan's post of Commandant Colonel of JMF is later known as the Commandant of JMF.[3]
TheCommanding officer (CO) of JMF is the most senior post in the JMF. This post is reserved for the Sultan of Johor's Royal Family to lead the JMF in administration and combat. Historically, this post belongs to the Sultan of Johor.[3][39] The Commanding officer of JMF holds the rank of major general. The current commanding officer of JMF isMajor General Tunku Ismail Idris.
TheSecond-in-Command (2IC) of JMF is the most professional position in the JMF. The 2IC of JMF post is the highest positions that any JMF officers can achieve and holds the rank of major. The current 2IC of JMF is Major Ahmad Hamdan Libar, succeeding Captain Jalalludin Hamsan, the previous 2IC that retired on 1 Feb 2024.[4]
The uniforms of the JMF have changed throughout its history. In the early years of its establishment, the JMF used the same uniform as the police force (khaki colour uniform) but with redsongkoks instead of the black used by the regular policemen.[12] Today, they are known for using:
Topi Timbalan
Green Beret
Combat Uniform
The formations of the JMF changes a few times throughout its history.[12]
*Later renamed toTimbalan Setia Negeri.
1900s–1905
1905–1939
The highest strength of JMF is in 1922 with 645 personnel.[12]
1939–1942
The highest strength of JMF by WWII is around 2000 personnel.[8]
Post-WWII–1978
1979–2007
The current JMF formations is divided into four units:[8]
The JMF only recruits its members from Malaysians born in Johor, aged between 18 and 23 years old. There is a special criterion which is prioritised to those who know to read and write inJawi script. This tradition continues since the JMF establishment in 1886.[8]
Last only for a day, it is done annually where the JMF staff will visit each district in Johor to recruit the potential trainees. The minimum physical requirement is 168 cm (5.51 ft) for height and 47.5 kg (105 lb) for weight. Potential trainees will go through a series of physical test.[8]
Trainees that succeeded the first stage will be brought to the Sultan Ibrahim Camp to face another series of test. The number of trainees here is double the size of the vacant slots. This stage is required to weed out half of its trainees. There are two tests here which is:[8]
The trainee who passed all the preliminary stage will be selected as new JMF recruits. They will be trained with basic soldiering and infantry training. The training is not 100% similar to the Malaysian Army Basic Training. As royal guards, the training been through by the JMF recruits also includes protocol training, more precisely, how to interact with the royals. The recruits are required to master the Jawi script as all reports must be written in Jawi.[8]
There are many opportunities given by the JMF for its members. The sultan also encourages them to try for the JMF Elite Forces in their early 20s so they can stay fit for the special forces unit. The JMF also send their members to receive training at the Malaysia Armed Forces training centres.[11][48] Some of the advanced training offered are:[8][11]
The JMF has produced some of the country's best known leaders and celebrities.[49] Among them are:
The JMF has continued to exist to date as one of Johor's defences, besides performing mainly ceremonial functions.[54] TheJMF Elite Forces (dubbed JMF Commando) was established on 7 July 2008 and has been providing security and close protection to the Royal Family of Johor since 2008.[8] In April 2016, the Sultan suggested that so the JMF roles were widened to include as security forces for state government buildings.[55]
Sultan Ibrahim Ismail stressed the importance of good ties be maintained with clear line of roles drawn between JMF andMalaysian Armed Forces (MAF) as the JMF was not formed and intended to be the country's first line of defence, thus the word‘timbalan’ meaning deputy in itsMalay name, indicating its task as the second line and roles in assisting MAF.[31]
Timeline
The Johor Military Forces is an independent military force steeped in history. Formed in 1886 by Sultan Abu Bakar of Johor, with the purpose of protecting Johor's safety and the king. The JMF is believed to be the oldest military unit in Malaysia and is the only state army in the Federation. The JMF has played a significant role in the suppression of theSingapore Mutiny of 1915 and served in both World Wars.
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