Investigations into the use of the honorific title ‘Tan Sri’ by a prominent Malaysian developer are now being handled by Federal police.
This was confirmed by Pahang police chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman.
“Yes, a report was lodged and the matter is now being handled by Bukit Aman,” Yahaya told Twentytwo13.
On April 11 Twentytwo13 reported that the private secretary to the Pahang Sultan had lodged a police report in Kuantan after receiving a poster featuring the individual and a claim that the person had been awarded the Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM) by Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, during his tenure as Malaysia’s 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The PSM is a Federal award that carries the title ‘Tan Sri’. It is limited to 1,000 recipients, excluding foreigners who receive it as an honorary award.
Al-Sultan Abdullah, the Pahang Ruler, was installed as Malaysia’s King on July 30, 2019. His reign ended on Jan 30, 2024.
Muhammad Iqbal Zahanuddin, who lodged the report on April 7, claimed that the Ceremonial and International Conference Secretariat Division (BIUPA) had confirmed the individual in question had not been awarded the title. He added that Al-Sultan Abdullah had denied conferring the award on the individual.
“The act is a serious fraud that can affect the credibility of the royal institution and confuse the public. It also has the potential to be used for personal or commercial gain, which is unlawful,” the report stated.
“The person in question has uploaded announcements of receiving the title and uses the title on social media,” it added.
Twentytwo13 has reached out to the individual’s office but has yet to receive a response.