The Selangor state constitution states that only a maximum of 40 Datuk titles can be conferred each year. But what is taking place now in Malaysia is also a reflection of our people’s obsession with titles, honorifics and even fake academic titles. In short, things were pretty simple back then, with proper methodology when it came to conferring decorations, medals and titles. There are now so many variations of the Datuk titles – Datuk Seri, Datuk Sri, Datuk Paduka, Dato’, Datuk Wira and Datuk Patinggi (depending on the states) – it has become confusing, even to members of the media. But the titles must not be bestowed on any one with a criminal record or it makes a mockery of this honour.

Source: thestar February 09, 2017 22:18 UTC