A BUSINESSMAN was charged with misusing the royal Kelantan title and issuing a “watikah” (appointment letter) falsely conferring a datukship, reported The Star Online today. 

Tengku Iskandar Tengku Ahmad is accused of using the title “Yang Maha Mulia” in an appointment letter dated August 7, 2013 without the consent of the sultan of Kelantan.

He faces a second charge over the use of the emblem of Persatuan Kerabat Di-Raja DYMM Long Yunus Negeri Kelantan on the same letter supposedly conferring businessman Kok Wai Peng, 53, with the rank of Seri Panglima Perkasa, which carries the title “Dato’ Seri D’Raja”.

The association was deregistered on February 11, 2011. 

The offences are alleged to have been committed between 5pm and 11pm on August 7, 2013, at Istana Dusun Green in Pasir Mas, Kelantan.

For the misuse of the Yang Maha Mulia title, Tengku Iskandar may be fined up to RM1,000 under Section 3(1)(a) of the Kelantan Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Enactment 1977.

The second offence is punishable by up to five years’ jail, a RM15,000 fine, or both, under Section 48(1) of the Societies Act 1966.

Defence counsel Joshua Sambanthan applied for the case to be transferred to Kelantan, where the offences are alleged to have been committed. 

Judge Mohamed Mokhzani Mokhtar denied the application after objection from the deputy public prosecutor and set bail at RM3,000 with next mention on September 25. – August 19, 2017.