I refer to the letter Be stringent with titles . I can't agree more with the writer who requests the government to be more stringent with state or federal awards in the future.

Knowing that our country has several state rulers and four governors, one is not surprised to read practically every month in the news that certain individuals are being conferred a Datukship come the ruler's or governor's birthday.

At the rate Datuks are being churned out monthly, our nation will be the only country in the world which will have more titled people walking the streets compared to non-titled folk. One would expect that only senior government servants who are due for retirement or those who have contributed greatly to the nation's growth to be eligible for these awards.

But lately young politicians and dubious businessmen have also been bestowed such honorific titles. Some big shots have been known to pay middlemen to get state awards which can go a long way in helping their businesses or to garner personal prestige among the elite of society. There are even some prominent politicians and businessmen being given Datukships several times over from the different rulers for their so-called contributions to society.

The ongoing trial of two prominent Tan Sris for criminal breach of trust and the recent conviction of two Datuks for breach of fiduciary duty involving Tabung Haji funds show that the quality of people who has been bestowed federal and state awards is questionable. People who are bestowed titles - be it federal or state awards - should be role models for other folk to emulate. The should have the highest form of virtue and not engage in behaviour which will besmirch their images in the eyes of the public.

In the past, we've had Datuks who were charged with murder and not forgetting captains of industry and top civil servants who had to spend time in prison for corruption and abuse of power. It is about time the government revoke such prestigious awards from those who have been convicted in a court of law. This will serve as a lesson to others to not to abuse their power.

Politicians, meanwhile, should not accept state or federal awards while they are still in office and only accept them when they retire. A cap or ceiling should also be imposed on all state and federal awards to make it harder for people to obtain a Datukship or a Tan Sri-ship. It should be impressed upon all that these prestigious awards come with a big responsibility.

Royal families from the other states should emulate the Sultan of Selangor's stringent requirements for state awards in order to increase the prestige of such honours. Others rules that can be imposed include for recipients to be more than 50 years old and have an impeccable record either in the public or private sector.