Agong: Those who tarnish country's name will get federal titles revoked

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar has warned that he will withdraw federal titles and awards from recipients involved in crimes, who defame the country or are convicted by the courts.

According to His Majesty, every recipient of such an award should be honest and trustworthy to the government, always maintain good behaviour, and not be involved in corrupt practices and other criminal offences.

"If a recipient defames the country's name or commits a crime and has been punished by the court, then all awards and medals of honour will be revoked. Goodbye to it.

"Accordingly, I have instructed the government to check the list of prisoners in all prisons and those with honorary titles, then it will be withdrawn.

“This is only for federal titles and those who are from federal territories; titles from other states will not be affected," Bernama quoted the ruler as saying at the Investiture ceremony at Istana Negara to present the 2024 federal awards, medals and honours that were conferred in conjunction with his official birthday.

Also present at the ceremony was Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah.

Sultan Ibrahim said that every year, many parties put their hopes up to try and secure titles in conjunction with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's birthday, and some are deceived and cheated by agents who take advantage.

The ruler revealed that there were even those who lobbied with His Majesty himself to obtain a "Datuk" or “Tan Sri-ship", but said the calls were not entertained at all.

"I would like to state here that every nomination brought by the government will be scrutinised one by one, and consideration will be given only to truly qualified candidates, who have served and contributed to the government, the community and the country," said Sultan Ibrahim.

He revealed that this year, only 116 recipients will be bestowed with federal awards, titles, and medals of honour.

Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar topped the list. He was conferred the Panglima Mangku Negara which carries the title “Tan Sri”.

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