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JOHOR BARU – The bestowing of Orders by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and sultans that carry titles such as Datuk, Datuk Seri, or Tan Sri is one of the highest honours an individual can receive and thus must be used in the most respectable way.
Council of Datuk Dato Malaysia (MDDM) secretary-general Datuk Samson David Maman said that the image and prestige of these titles have been tainted by irresponsible parties who sell fake titles to individuals hungry for status.
“We are disappointed to find that there are individuals out there selling fake Datuk titles.
“The public should not be easily swayed by these irresponsible individuals to the point where they buy titles for the sake of status,” he said.
Samson’s statement came after he made a police report at the Puchong Jaya police station today over the use of fake titles by nine individuals.
He explained that it was shocking to find that the majority of individuals holding such titles were corporate leaders, popular businessmen, and celebrities from the entertainment industry.
“MDDM obtained a list of names of family members who all are using fake honorific titles just to increase their public status,” Samson added.
He also revealed the existence of an Instagram user @checkmytitle which exposes the identity of individuals holding fake titles.
“We don’t know the real identity behind the Instagram account, but it shows that the public wants to know who misuses such titles,” he said.
According to Samson, MDDM has received hundreds of complaints since May 2021 over the matter.
What was more disappointing, Samson said, is that these individuals are using their fake titles to flout the law.
“This stains the names of those who hold legitimate titles.
“A police report was also filed against an individual misusing the Tan Sri title and action must be taken swiftly,” he added.
Following a report by The Vibes’ Bahasa Malaysia sister-portal, Getaran, early last month, an individual from the Umno Youth executive council was accused of using a fake title that was allegedly bestowed upon them by the Pahang Royal House.
The matter surfaced after an official letter from the Pahang government denied claims that the individual in question was awarded such a title. – The Vibes, May 1, 2023