Over 50 Public Figures Accused of Paying & Using Fake Academic Qualifications to Obtain Ranks

More than 50 individuals, including well-known entertainers and business figures have been exposed for submitting fake academic credentials to secure ranks in a voluntary uniformed organisation. Some reportedly paid between RM3,000 and RM6,000 for titles that are supposed to be free.

The scandal came to light after Mohd Nor Izzat Mohd Johari, chairman of the Malaysian Global Humanitarian Welfare Organisation (Amal Sejagat), received multiple complaints last week. He revealed that the issue has been quietly brewing for years, with actors, veteran artistes, and behind-the-scenes industry players allegedly involved.

“These ranks were obtained using forged documents claiming qualifications and training that don’t exist,” Izzat told Harian Metro’s Skuad Khas.

“Checks showed their names weren’t in university records, and the courses they claimed to have taken were never offered.”

He expressed concern over the damage this could do to the entertainment industry’s reputation, especially when public figures are seen chasing titles dishonestly. “It’s unfair to genuine contributors who’ve built careers through talent and hard work,” he said.

Some victims have already filed reports with authorities, but updates have been slow. Izzat urged others to come forward and lodge police reports, stressing that recognition should come from talent, not controversy.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that any payment made in exchange for ranks constitutes bribery.

“Those who were pressured to pay should report it to the MACC,” he said.

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Also read: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Emphasises That Datuk & Tan Sri Titles Cannot be Purchased