HONORIFC titles are a common facet of Malaysia’s public life, the presence of which is felt through investiture ceremonies as well as the high-public profile activities of the awarded. 

Over the years, the number of titles have grown to the extent cynics have described the titled cohort as a dime a dozen.

Ttitles, if they are to be valued and respected by all, should be given to the well deserved while the award criteria are strictly adhered to.

For example, an excellent academic who, say, has found a cure for a certain disease or developed a profound theory in social sciences deserves due recognition compared to those who have merely performed basic tasks prescribed in their job specifications.

Similarly, a person should not be awarded a title simply because of “political connection”, that is, he or she is a friend of people in high places.

In principle, honorifics are bestowed on individuals in recognition of their contributions and services to the nation in such fields as industry, education, arts, sports and science.

Titles, such as “Datuk” and “Tan Sri”, accord the recipients a sense of public importance and accomplishment. This is apart from the consequent deference given to the titled by sections of our society.

However, certain recipients have over the years have developed a delusion of grandeur to the extent that they expect their supposed badges of honour “to open doors” to business opportunities and other forms of pecuniary possibilities.

Such a sense of entitlement has crept in among these recipients, making them presumptuous and obnoxious.

At the same time, the rise of fake titles has become a cause for concern for the Council of Datuk Dato’ Malaysia.

Here we are talking about, as reported by The Malaysian Insight recently, people, such as company directors or chief executive officers, who deceive members of the public by falsely claiming to be Datuk.

The perks that come with genuine titles are envied by con artists. To be sure, a Datuk receives more than just the clout to jump queues.

It was reported that dubious titles that are put up for sale range between RM60,000 (for “Datuk”) and RM100,000 (for “Datuk Seri”).

Soliciting for awards or selling fake awards are punishable by a fine of up to RM500,000 or 20 years’ jail. But that, apparently, did not deter the culprits. 

The obsession of certain people with obtaining titles, particularly the fake ones, may be partly stirred by the misconduct of, say, certain Datuks and Datuk Seris who have been successful in amassing wealth through devious means.

These people may have genuine titles, but they are fakes to the core to the point of devaluing the worth of the titles they wear on their sleeves.

Such misconduct is an affront to the general notion of the titled being individuals of moral uprightness, integrity and high social standing.

Be that as it may, these genuine titles have a role in society.

But at the same time, we should also acknowledge that beyond these titles there are everyday Malaysians with high integrity, diligence and loyalty to the country who deserve our appreciation. – May 2, 2024.