PROGRESS: Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has been keeping a strict diet ahead of his coronation tomorrow. On certain days, his diet is made up of just fruits. He has shed some 20kg since January. As we walked into the newly refurbished renovated Istana Bukit Serene for a rare interview with him ahead of his big day, we could not help but notice a brand new hot pink Rolls-Royce Phantom parked in the driveway. The NSTP team was then ushered inside this grand, 78-year-old Art Deco palace with a green roof and limestone walls, topped with a 35m etre tower. The sultan, who was busy with the final fitting for the coronation costume with his tailor, Datuk Jack M.K. Lee, later emerged. After an hour-long interview with A Jalil Hamid and Jassmine Shadiqe, during which he addressed many controversial issues, ranging from his businesses to reclamation projects and the influx of top developers from China, the sultan then invited us for a sumptuous lunch. He indulged in a big plate of beef steak that day. But his mind was preoccupied with his son, Tunku Laksamana Johor Tunku Abdul Jalil, who had to be hospitalised. He then drove off alone in the Phantom to the hospital, with his security detail trailing behind.<\/p>\n