The Territories Ministry will not recommend politicians for awards in conjunction with Federal Territories Day next year, its minister Khalid Samad said today.

The awards will be given to those who truly serve the community, such as educators, volunteers involved in humanitarian work and those who have brought fame to the country in the international arena, he added.

Khalid spoke to reporters after opening the annual general meeting of the World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP) in Kuala Lumpur.

Also present were Kuala Lumpur mayor Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan and WECP president and Halifax (Canada) mayor Mike Savage.

Khalid said political leaders still have plenty of time to prove themselves in serving the community before they are selected to be honoured.

“Let’s see their service and performance. If there is to be any recommendation, we leave it to those who are making the offer,” he said.

Khalid, who is also Amanah communications director, said there was no compulsion for any party member to accept or refuse any award or medal.

“We remind the members that they cannot ask to be honoured but if an offer is made it is up to them to accept or reject it,” he said.

Recently, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng criticised several of his party leaders who had accepted state awards in Malacca and Sabah.

Lim, who is also finance minister, said these leaders’ actions do not reflect the spirit of the party’s real struggle and gives people a wrong perception because the party has been in power for less than a year.

Khalid said Amanah members can accept awards if they can help to enhance the party image or their work.

“Perhaps the individual honoured may have just become a minister but has been serving the community for a long time. As such, it is not wrong to be accorded the honour,” he said.

- Bernama