The Federal Territory Day was celebrated in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan yesterday (1 February). In conjunction with the celebration, 355 Malaysians were the recipients of awards, honours and medals.
Among those recipients were politicians and Malaysian ministers. Some of the titles they received include Datuk Seri Utama, Datuk Seri, Datuk and various other individuals who were conferred awards for their contributions to the country’s well-being.
1. Seri Utama Mahkota Wilayah (S.U.M.W)-“Datuk Seri Utama”
- Yang Dipertua Negeri of Penang Tun Dr Abdul Rahman Abbas
- Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Juhar Datuk Mahiruddin
- Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka Tun Mohd Ali Rustam
- Finance Minister Senator Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz
- Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail
2. Seri Mahkota Wilayah (S.M.W)-“Datuk Seri”
- Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah
- Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan
- Public Service Deputy Director-General (Development) Datuk Suhaime Mahbar
- Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Mahadi Che Ngah
- Former Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan
3. Panglima Mahkota Wilayah (P.M.W)- “Datuk”
- Senior Minister in Education Senator Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin
- Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin
- BERNAMA chairman Senator Ras Adiba Mohd Radzi
Needless to say, netizens on Twitter have been criticising the awards given to these ministers citing that they did not really contribute to the country especially during the pandemic.
“Klang Valley, Johor and Sabah Covid-19 cases exploding, healthcare workers are suffering mentally and physically, citizens are suffering financially and many more issues but YES, let’s give ‘Datuk’ to people who did no contribution to the country much.”
Another Twitter user questioned the need for these titles when ministers are just civil servants with guaranteed incomes, lifetime employment, and guaranteed pensions upon retirement. “What outstanding service beyond the call of duty is being recognised?” she asked.
Do these ministers deserve the titles they were awarded? Let us know what you think!
Also read: SPRM Releases The Monthly Salaries For Some of Our Prominent Malaysian Ministers
