YOURSAY | 'The Datuk Seri incident highlights what is wrong with this country.'

So you want to be a datuk?

The Analyser: This incident highlights so much that is wrong with this country. Everything in this situation can be traced back to one factor: insecurity.

So let’s dissect this whole scenario, starting with this article. The first point addressed: who awarded the title? This is the primary need for insecure Malaysians. They must find someone to blame to keep their own insecurities suppressed, even if they have nothing to do with the situation.

Then, there is the need for you to find someone to tell you what to do because you are too insecure to make your own decisions. Doesn't matter who comes up with the solution, so long as you don't have to think for yourself.

Then, you want someone to stand up for your rights, whoever they are this week because you are too insecure to stand up for yourself. Your latest idol is, of course, the Johor ruler, but as soon as another comes along he will be dropped.

Then, let’s look at the actual event. Insecurity finds its greatest mask in money and the trappings of money. So why else would this “Datuk Seri” upstart be craving the imagined kudos of a royal award that is of zero value in a principled world but of inestimable value in the world of money.

The awards are an indulgence of an insecure royalty desperate for the adulation of the fawning rich. I see no evidence that royal awards recognise any form of merit, apart from money.

In the actual event the insecure upstart needs to lord it over the minions by using physical violence to mask his inability to think and act rationally, that is yet another symptom of his insecurity. Then there is the Bentley, the tame minions and the drugs, just to show that in his insecurity, he is still greater than the Malaysian police force.

The concept of awards should be highly regarded if the awards are presented to citizens who have earned them for meritorious (unpaid) work in the community.

But like most things, Malaysia has abused concepts so that they parallel their own lack of principles. What the state should do is create an alternative awards system which would recognise worthwhile contributions to Malaysian society, not to pander to fawning sycophants.

Hplooi: Insecurity is a very general term, and carries no meaning whatsoever in describing Malaysian society or any society, for that matter.

Making such a simplistic statement, that Malaysians are fundamentally insecure and therefore need the validation of titles, is akin to the shibboleth peddled by the religious right, eg, liberalism equals free sex, socialism equals godlessness.

But really, titles are the prerogative of the states. Despite gross and clear violations of conduct, those symbols at the apex are seemingly not too bothered, so who are we lowly citizens to even comment?

Besides, comments may be interpreted as something more serious, and you never know where you may end up for speaking up.

Dr Ng SC: I firmly believe that the awards of titles, except professional ones awarded by universities for scholastic achievements, should be stopped.

It is widely believed that these titles can be bought. I wonder if this is indeed true.

Perhaps the appropriate people would like to comment on this and stop this rumour. Or confirm it, if it is indeed true.

There is no doubt that many, many unsavoury characters – usually the wealthy – have been breaking the law and some are even in prison, like this young, rich “Datuk Seri” will be.

Tembikai: These days, even titles given out by universities can be questionable. If you apple-polish hard enough, you will be promoted to the position of professor.

In Malaysian universities, it is often not what you know, but who you know that will get you the promotion. I remember hearing a few years ago of a vice-chancellor who promoted himself.

Warga Emas: I have noticed the children and relatives of these people use the official crest on their cars. All their cars, even old and normal ones, have the crest.

Anonymous 1424794168: Unfortunately, there are so many “Datos” and “Datuks” around nowadays that many deserving honest people who have contributed to their country stay away from such titles.

Hence it is only left to those undeserving ones, including triad leaders, who buy such titles to legitimise their status.

The government should tighten the criteria on the qualification to bring back the dignity of such titles.

RR: Yes, it is a terrible shame to read that “Tan Sris”, “Datuk Seris” and “Datuks” commit crimes and are charged in courts. This is becoming consistent at regular intervals because there are far too many title holders in society today.

The best solution for this is to limit the numbers, since these are prestigious awards. Each state should have a fixed number according to the population size.

If there is a vacancy through the demise or removal of the awardee, it can be filled by the next deserving person on the honours list, but the quota should remain static. In this way the awards, will confer recognition and honour, not like it is now.

If each state's quota is 50, for instance, there will be only 650 'Datuks' in the country. If the quota is 20 it will be 260, if it is 10, there will only be 130 at any given time.

There should not be double awards of the same title by different states. I hope the government will work out a strict code of conduct to uphold the honour the awards carry.

My Opinion: There are even estate agents and developers who are “Datuks”, who don’t contribute much to society except to make lots of money. Maybe one just needs to do a simple “donation” to get a Datukship.

The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now.

These comments are compiled to reflect the views of Malaysiakini subscribers on matters of public interest. Malaysiakini does not intend to represent these views as fact.