3 days ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Honorific titles not for sale or lobbying, says Agong
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim said only those who have served a long time in the government or brought pride to the country deserve to be conferred honours. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim has reminded that federal honours cannot be bought or lobbied for, saying that these awards are reserved only for those who have truly served the nation.
Delivering his royal address at the investiture ceremony at Istana Negara in conjunction with his official birthday today, the king said that he personally vets every nominee, even though the government has provided guidelines, Bernama reported.
'In my view, only those who have served a long time in the government or brought pride to the country deserve to be conferred honours. Not many pass this benchmark every year,' he was quoted as saying.
'Even though people are lobbying for titles, I will not entertain them. Titles like 'Datuk' or 'Tan Sri' are not for sale. If one has so much money, they should do charity and help the poor instead.'
Sultan Ibrahim also urged today's 104 recipients to treasure and take pride in the honours they have received.
The king also took the opportunity to remind leaders at all levels not to play politics with sensitive issues or stir division, warning that an excess of political parties and internal factions only fuels disunity and hostilities.
'Use your head before making any decision. There is no greater gift for me than a united people,' he said.
'I once said that a virus would hit this country, and now we can see it spreading, (it seems) incurable. I keep repeating this warning because we must not forget.'
He also announced plans for a Kembara Diraja tour across the federal territories to better understand people's lives and distribute zakat aid to the underprivileged and eligible recipients.
