Patriot: Revoke honorifics of those convicted of crimes

 

Persatuan Patriot Kebangsaan president Brigadier-General (Rtd) Mohamed Arshad Raji has called for the revocation of honorifics for those convicted of criminal offences, saying that recipients were expected to uphold themselves with honour and dignity and not fall into disrepute.

Arshad cited the arrest of 34 people linked to a Macau scam, including officers from various enforcement agencies, and a report by the MACC of 68 suspected gang members detained, some of whom were reportedly holders of federal or state honorifics.

"Federal and state governments that award honorifics to individuals have an established set of rules and criteria and are normally awarded to deserving individuals at the discretion of state rulers on the occasion of the rulers’ birthday.

"Recipients bestowed with such awards are deemed to have contributed exemplary service to the state and are of reputable and untarnished character.

"As such, recipients are expected to uphold themselves with honour and dignity and not to conduct themselves into disrepute," said Arshad in a statement today.

He pointed out that over the last several years there has been a hike in criminal cases involving federal and state honorific recipients.

"These included corruption, money laundering, gangsterism, extortion, fights, and a host of other criminal offences. Arrests were made either by the police or the MACC.

"When prosecuted, they are not only disgraced, but they also degrade and dishonour the honorific title they used before their names. 

"Their undesirable activities had demeaned and dishonoured the state, and the rulers who bestowed them the award," added Arshad.

To restore and preserve the sanctity, honour and integrity of the award, Patriot suggests that all federal and state honorific recipients convicted for criminal activities should have their awards revoked. 

"The public image of a Tan Sri, Datuk Seri or Datuk attired in the infamous orange MACC detainee outfit, handcuffed and arraigned in court to face criminal charges is disgusting.

"Of late, such sights have been a regular feature in the media.

"What is even more disgusting is that the arraigned individual often does not appear to be remorseful; rather leaves the courthouse with a broad smile. How does this reflect on our younger generation looking upon such titled individuals with high regards?" asked Arshad.

In February, the Pahang palace revoked the Datuk titles held by five individuals including actors Farid Kamil Zahari and Boy Iman or Noruliman A Rahman, local businesspersons Wong Shee Kai @ Ricky and Syed Mohammad Faiz Syed Azemman, as well as Vietnamese businessperson Tran Thi Mai @ Maimunah.

State Secretary Sallehuddin Ishak, who is also the state registrar of awards, said the order was issued by the Sultan of Pahang Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, and the letters of withdrawal came into effect on Feb 1.

No reason was given for the revocation of the titles, but it was learnt that all the individuals involved had been prosecuted in court for various offences.

Prominent politicians such as former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak and opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim have also been convicted of crimes and sentenced to serve jail terms, although the latter was pardoned in 2018 while the former has yet to serve his sentence. - Mkini

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