Malaysia is the only country in the world that habitually confers public service awards and other recognitions which carry honorific titles such as ‘Datuk, Tan Sri’ and ‘Tun’. But one doesn't think much if the awards are given to mere mortals who can be tempted by such offers.

Recently, it seems that even those who claim to be in service of their respective religions have succumbed to similar temptations. I find this to be a worrying trend because these religious leaders seem to have lowered their stature and embraced values of the ordinary. This should not be the case for they are said to be representatives of God.

Now we have so many ‘ustazs, ustazahs’, ‘ulama’, priests and pastors of all races who also possess honorific titles in addition to their religious titles. I find this strange as there is no such thing in other countries especially in England where their cardinals, bishops and priests have only their religious titles.

It is horrifying that these religious leaders and elders are allowing themselves to succumb to such self-aggrandisement instead of steadfastly upholding their pledge to remain loyal and obedient to their religious values.