Datuk councils sound alarm on rise of fake titles
The Council of Federal Datuks (MDPM) and the Council of Datuk Dato' Malaysia (MDDM) held a joint press conference at Wisma MCA yesterday to sound the alarm over a rise in fake titles in the country.
MDPM president Datuk Iskandar Abd Malik said his council recently received reports of a man suspected of falsely using a "Datuk Seri" title during public events.
He was allegedly listed as an "honorary adviser" for a charity dinner. He was described on the event's poster as a "Datuk Seri" and a "royal adopted son".
MDPM executive committee member Datuk Seri Michael Chong said in the first half of the year, his council had received six complaints on fake titles.
"People have been duped into investing money after being misled by individuals flaunting false titles, only to realise the deception after suffering financial losses.
"In one case, the losses amounted to RM400,000," the MCA veteran said.
MDDM secretary-general Datuk Samson David Maman, who has served as an adviser for years, said he had never heard of a title like "royal adopted son" and believed it was fabricated to mislead the public.
"Titles such as Datuk, Datuk Seri, Tan Sri or Tun are conferred on people who have made significant contributions to the nation or society. This is why such titles are respected and highly regarded."
He said fraudsters often use fake titles or falsely claim royal ties to gain public trust and promote their investment schemes.
In a related development, the alleged "Datuk Seri" has come forward and denied allegations of using a fake title.
China Press reported that the man said the accusations had damaged his reputation and called on those responsible to issue a public apology.
The man claimed he was conferred a title in 2015, but had kept a low profile over the past decade while quietly engaging in charity work.
He claimed he began to use the title recently after finding success in his business.
Chong responded today, saying that the council would not apologise.
He said if this man believed the accusations were unfounded, he was welcome to submit official documentation on his title for verification.
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