(Malaysiakini) The Johor palace has revoked two awards conferred upon MCA-turned-PKR man Chua Jui Meng, both carrying the honorific 'Datuk'.
Chua - who now sits on the PKR supreme council - said Johor Royal Council secretary Abdul Rahim Ramli had called him twice asking for him to return all his medals today.
"(Abdul Rahim) told me that my two datuk-ships have been revoked," Chua, who was health minister from 1995 to 2004, told Malaysiakini.
When contacted this afternoon, Abdul Rahim declined to comment, saying that he needs to read Malaysiakini's report first.
However, he added that a press conference on the matter will be held at the Istana Besar in Johor Baru tomorrow afternoon.
However, he added that a press conference on the matter will be held at the Istana Besar in Johor Baru tomorrow afternoon. Chua (left) was conferred the awards by the late sultan of Johor, Sultan Mahmud Iskandar.
They were the 'Dato Paduka Makhota Johor' and the 'Seri Paduka Mahkota Johor". Chua said Abdul Rahim refused to tell him the reason for the revocation stating that the palace was not obliged to reveal its reasons.
Chua was formerly an MCA vice-president. He left the party after an unsuccessful second attempt for the president's post in the 2008 party election. He joined PKR in 2009.
But still a 'Datuk'
He, however, will still retain his 'Datuk' honorific as he had also been conferred state awards in 2002 and 2003 - by both Pahang and Selangor respectively - which carry a similar title.
Today's move confirms prior wide speculation fuelled by PKR deputy president Syed Husin Ali who Tweeted the rumour several days ago.
Chua refused to comment further, saying that he will issue a statement when he finally receives an official letter from the Johor palace.
The former five-term MP for Bakri hit the Christian sermon circuit after his cabinet tenure came to an end. Chua now also sits on PKR's powerful Political Bureau.
According to constitutional expert Prof Abdul Aziz Bari, the sultan has complete discretion in the awarding and withdrawal of royal honorifics and this is clear in both the federal and state constitutions.
Explanation needed
However, the Universiti Islam Antarabangsa academic said Chua had a right to know why the two titles were withdraw as his 'reputation was at stake'.
“Even though the law is silent, it is highly inappropriate in this age to withdraw the titles without explanation as the public would get the impression that the holder has committed something wrong. The holder has every right to protect his or her good name."
Aziz Bari said the sultan, as the 'father figure' of the state, ought not to be seen as partisan given that Chua has crossed from BN to Pakatan Rakyat.
“It might be legal but it is certainly constitutionally improper. We are a constitutional monarchy where the monarch should not treat state matters as personal business.
“Powers and right have to be seen to be asserted in the proper contexts. There is no absolutism be it under the constitution or democracy in general."
“Even though the law is silent, it is highly inappropriate in this age to withdraw the titles without explanation as the public would get the impression that the holder has committed something wrong. The holder has every right to protect his or her good name."
Aziz Bari said the sultan, as the 'father figure' of the state, ought not to be seen as partisan given that Chua has crossed from BN to Pakatan Rakyat.
“It might be legal but it is certainly constitutionally improper. We are a constitutional monarchy where the monarch should not treat state matters as personal business.
“Powers and right have to be seen to be asserted in the proper contexts. There is no absolutism be it under the constitution or democracy in general."
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fairplayer Just give back those excess-baggages...the sultan is just being a spoilt buruk-siku...the medals are of no value in the City of the streets of Gold...Ask them to come collect from your house, la... What for send or bring over to them... A sultan shd be a NEUTRAL person in a NEUTRAL position regardless of which party/group is the ruling gov't... this sultan sounds more like a bully to me... Meanwhile, wait for their official letter... There's a better and greater DATUKSHIP...the one from the King of kings........ :) Eternal value....type.... pursue it! God bless and be with you...
21 minutes ago · Report
Anonymous nothing happens without a reason. Is it so difficult to understand what happened? You can be the Chua who was caught with his pants down, but as long as you are not in the opposition ........blah blah blah. But if you are the Chua in the opposition, then it's.....blah blah belah. No detailed explanation is necessary.
27 minutes ago · Report
msc-jkl He is old useless dog in MCA, joining PKR after lost twice battling for MCA presidency. Well, he deserved that!!!
44 minutes ago · Report
Brad Lee I thought the royalty is above politics. Why is a clean living man in the opposition has his titles stripped when a confessed adulterer gets to keep his? If the royalty wants to play politics, please abdicate and join a political party. This is the reason why our royalty doesn't get the kind of respect it deserves to uphold integrity, impartiality and to foster democracy by being the third party to invigilate a true two party system. Its time the rakyat rise and speak for equality, fraternity and justice. Hello MIC, MCA and Gerakan, why don't you speak up? Afraid to get your precious titles stripped too?
an hour ago · Report
Anonymous Don't panic Datuk. I think Anak Watan is correct. It's the wrong Chua they are referring to.
an hour ago · Report
Anak Watan Hello All.....Please wait.... Palace official made mistake lah......Wrong Chua.....Should be CSL,.....the liar and adulterer.....the one who got tangkap basah in DVD....
an hour ago · Report
Harrisman Does this mean that if you are in the Opposition, you are not working for the rakyat and therefore not entitled to recognition? Does that also means that if you have all your life for the rakyat, you are recognised. But, the moment you go to the Opposition but continue to work for the rakyat, all that you have worked for goes down the drain?
an hour ago · Report
Kgen I guess the game plan was to taint Chua Jui Meng's reputation and character by withdrawing his datukship but judging by the comments here it has backfired badly. Guess who's reputation got tainted instead? And Jimmy Chua can hold his head high that the public considers him a political victim of those who should be above politics. Which politician would mind a wave of sympathy coming his way? Way to go, Jimmy! Go out there and get more votes for Pakatan!
1 hours ago · Report
Gen. Half Track Datuk Chua, Just put the medals in a box and post it . No big deal man . Any way this is not the first time the Johor palace has withdrawn Dato' ships it did the same to the late MB Tan Sri Osman Saad . The moral of the story is that in order to ensure you will not loose the title of Dato make sure you get a few from different states as insurance . Loose one got some more one .
1 hours ago · Report
pietiring Dear Doc, just send back these titles graciously as they are fast becoming worthless of their intrinsic value. Without the titles you'll be readily and genuinely embrassed by the rakyat.
2 hours ago · Report
Inspektor Klueso SING TO "BABY U CAN DRIVE MY CAR" BY BEATLES Asked DA MAN what he wanted to be HE said baby, can't you see I wanna be famous, a star LIKE MOKTAR But you can do something in between DATO you can drive my car Yes I'm gonna be a star DATO you can drive my car And maybe I'll love you I told UMNO that my prospects were good he said DATO, it's understood Working for peanuts is all very fine But I can show you a better time Just sign up here and join BN FORGET ALL THATS DECENT & GOOD SELL YOUR MOTHER & CONSCIENCE YU CAN BE famous & RICH AND HEAVEN IS HERE RIGHT NOW DATO you can drive my car Yes I'm gonna be a star DATO you can drive my car I told that girl that my prospects were good she said baby, it's understood Working for peanuts is all very fine But I can show you a better time
2 hours ago · Report
Kgen At a time when the respect for monarchy has dropped to an all time low we have political prostitute Hee Yit Foong made a Datuk and honourable Chua Jui Meng stripped of his datukship just for joining the opposition. Do the royalties have any idea how much damage they are doing to themselves? If the sultans play politics they should not expect to be respected as rulers. They will be treated as politicians. The next question the people will ask is, "why do we need to support politicians who are above the law and do not have to stand for elections?"
2 hours ago · Report
neders Dr. Chua it is good that the datukships have been withdrawn from you. To the public they are a stigma and worthless when you consider triad bosses, froggies, corrupt umnoputra and their cronies, second hand car dealers and what else have you that you can scrape from the bottom of the barrel have been conferred these titles, You're free now man.
2 hours ago · Report
Baiyuensheng This institution is merely symbolising the malay culture. Dont see the need to perpetuate by having their titles for the nons. Maybe all the nons with titles should just return back to them. Although the nons respect the institution, we don't have to be 'recognised' by longing for their titles. The nons with their long and deep culture dont need this.
2 hours ago · Report
Mc Farland In BolehLand, even an adulterer, porno actor or murderer can still remain a dato - provided he/she is in BeeAN. What #@$%^ is this?
2 hours ago · Report
malaysianoversea i was told that the royalties is 'above' politics... now it proves that im wrong... royalties is way BELOW politics!!
2 hours ago · Report
fairmnded RUBBISH. Throw away this shit. Keep your orginal name as good as it was. Even today people pay to buy this shit. The number of shit awarded mat every turn by so many jokers one day there will be not enough people to receive them and they will look for our pets to bestow these shit. Malaysia has the highest sale of awards and still florishing! Keep it up man. When you want to receive some thing good and respectable you dont get it from the morons.
2 hours ago · Report
drms If this is how titles are given out then people should stop running out for titles. Why on earth should any dick tom and harry be walking around with titles when it means nothing at the end of the day. Have thery earned it or have they made any significant contributions to society or the world at large ? If no then obviously this title they have received is a sham and should be discarded by the people at large. Now, to add further insult to it this title has become even worthless as it can be withdrawn at someone's whims and fancy. Why was it given out in the first place? I guess the sultan would have some sound reason to give it. Now if it can be withdrawn simply because the Sultan who isssued it is dead and gone then then I am suspicious about the whole thing. After this episode I suggest people should be vary of receiving these titles. Let a title be earned and there are many ways of doing this.
2 hours ago · Report
Anonymous YB Chua, you dont need this horrific stinking titles, the rakyat will respect you even without those disgusting title that can be bought. If there is no more sultans n raja's, i'm sure the rakyat will be taxed less. Our sultan n raja's think they are still God's goodness, they living on the rakyat misery.
3 hours ago · Report
ONE HAND COVER THE SKY King Bhumiphol is a fine example of a good Monarch in Thailand. The recent "red shirt" demo and fighting in Bangkok shows that their king is impartial. Never did the king takes side as it is a political problem. Think this is why King Bhumiphol of Thailand is revered by their people. King Bhumiphol loves and care for his people. Why is our Malaysian Royalty so different from Thailand's Royalty?
3 hours ago · Report
Multi Racial What is the benchmark for awarding Datukship and withdrawal of Datukship? Datuk Chua Soi Lek - admit involved in sex scandal. Keep the Datuk title Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin - found guilty by court for illegally married second wife. Keep the Datuk title Datuk Hee - a political frog who jumped ship. Perakians are unhappy with her and three other frogs actions. Awarded a Datuk Title. Datuk Chua Jui Meng - two Johore datuk titles revoke for being in opposition parties. Rulers cannot act as if they are still living in feudal era and decide based on their whimp and fancy. They must be impartial. They have to earn the respect from the rakyat. With the recent events involving Perak, Kelantan and now Johore, it is heading the other way. To the rakyat, only the new Negeri Sembilan ruler appear to be fair to the rakyat. Maybe all should learn from him. This ruler and his children have been living like commoner for decades and he learn the important to be impartial and
3 hours ago · Report
tkc If no reasons are offered on why the awards are revoked, it could be a set up to accuse CJM of being “derhaka kepada sultan” if CJM were to make too much of a fuss. Suggest CJM return the titles quietly so that PKR does not play into BN’s hands.
3 hours ago · Report
Dappy Dappy - Everyone in Pakatan Rakyat should emulate DAP's policy in declining all awards of Datukship. They are respected for their contributions to the rakyat and country, not the titles awarded by the royalties. In short, better to gain respect without any lousy titles then to be scorned at with useless titles.
3 hours ago · Report
Not Confused Here in Malaysia it seems as though everyone and his brother are Datuks or some other meaningless title. Most (but not all) seem to be self-engratiating parasites who have demeaned any honour that these titles once bestowed. I think they must be the oh-so-grand arrogants you often see being chauffered around town in huge mercedes with silly little gold badges on the number plate. The currency is now a joke - I hear you can buy a datukship quite cheaply these days!
3 hours ago · Report
Sivadas bBalakrishnan Datuk Chua, to hell with the titles. We respect you for your stand and not because you carry the Datukship. Like someone had commented, please return all the other Datukships that you possess. The BN govt and the their parasite sultans can have all the ecolades, titles and the long names that they carry. I salute you sir, and you know that the Datukship bestowed upon you was for real and for your contributions and not like those that have been bought for a price. Observer.....?????
3 hours ago · Report
Sivadas bBalakrishnan Datuk Chua, to hell with the titles. We respect you for your stand and not because you carry the Datukship. Like someone had commented, please return all the other Datukships that you possess. The BN govt and the their parasite sultans can have all the ecolades, titles and the long names that they carry. I salute you sir, and you know that the Datukship bestowed upon you was for real and for your contributions and not like those that have been bought for a price. Observer.....?????
3 hours ago · Report
Harrisman Hee Yit Fong is a datuk? Hee...hee...hee Hee...hee...hee
3 hours ago · Report
ric So now i know the prerequisite for State title is that receipient must t not be from PR.
4 hours ago · Report
Alan Goh Soo Meng A friend told me this joke about Datuk-ship. He was waiting outside the delivery room in a private hospital,when a nurse came out of the room,calling out ..siapa datuk..Out of 8 eagerly waiting visitors,7 stood up... What a bloody joke,take a survey in Malaysia, you will soon find that 1 in 10 is a datuk,even Hee Yit Fong is a datuk,what value is that title-lah.
4 hours ago · Report
Raggy A close friend aptly spelt this (starting from RM50K) valued title as DUTTOCK. Apparently, as an outsider, if you can sell a datukship, the commission is 10%.
4 hours ago · Report
Nicholas Lim Who needs the title? I respect Dr. Chua with or without the titles. I think he should return all titles to the respective states and be free of any attachments. Honest people do not require titles. Don't know why some people are so hard up for the Datoship which everyone know is of no value. I remember, some time back, some one mentioned in a newspaper article that if you throw a stone into a crowd you are most likely to hit a 'datuk'. It so so common that it has no velue at all.I salute you...Mr, Sir, Saudara.........Kara.
4 hours ago · Report
Homo Sapean Father, MR, Sir, En. Uncle, Granpa etc...... that natural titile everybody gets it withhigh respect from everyone if they are good. So why wory,...
4 hours ago · Report
Kgen Royalty should not demean themselves by playing politics if they want respect from the rakyat. The rakyat have no need for a super-politician who does not have to stand for elections. The future of royalty is in the hands of the rakyat, not Umno.
4 hours ago · Report
soo chong yew Another flip flop from Sultan Johor.
4 hours ago · Report
Maggie Lim What's so great about that title? Humble people do not need any titles. Be happy as we are.
4 hours ago · Report
Harrisman How come CSL, principal actor of XXX movie still get to keep his Datuk? Does it not bring shame to those with Datuk? I guess that that because he is still on the right side.
4 hours ago · Report
rice&noodle when people power rise again,stronger than the last,the people to, do not have to give any reason to dismantle these bunch of institutionalised pirate lineage from their seats of arrogance & impunity. Lets just get rid of this parasite institution which is serving no purpose to anybody except themselves!
5 hours ago · Report
Doneit Looking at the Dato club I will not want one even if given to me for "free". They can keep it.
5 hours ago · Report
reformer All the talks about the royals being neutral to protect the interest of the people. We knew all along that this is just a propaganda. This action by the sultan of Johor confirms it. This bring me to another point. Why does many peaceful protests always end up at the gate of the residence of the king to hand him the people's memorandum ? For the record the king has never even bother to come out to receive the memmorandum neither did he ever even utter one word after receiving the memorandum from his palace officials. Isn't it more sensible for the protest memorandum to be delivered to the leader of parliament and the opposition leader of parliament. At least there is a slight hope that leader of the opposition and parliament can bring it out for debate. Isn't this the job of parliament ?
5 hours ago · Report
StevenForMalaysia "Wait unto The Lord, be of good courage" "Forgettting what is behind, look unto what lies ahead" "In all things it works for good for those who love The Lord" Dear Mr. Chua, the rakyat needs you to press on with the 'CHANGE', believe this stripping will drive additional 1% BN votes to PR! FIGHT ON!
5 hours ago · Report
shah Dali Another funny story from Malaysia Boleh!
5 hours ago · Report
Cat Wind As a committed Christian, Love not this world or the things of this world. For sake Fame and Fortune and the Honros of this world!
5 hours ago · Report
Man Dulu BN yang minta berikan datuk , sekarang Bn kata tarik balik kami akan tarik balik . Sampai Istana pun di controll oleh BN. Banyak raja dimalaysia sebab itu banyak datuk dimalaysia, juga kalau ada duit boleh jadi datuk. Setahu saya ada seorang Along pun dapat datuk ship. Apa punya Istana tak ada maruah
5 hours ago · Report
Joanna Chee He is an honorable man not like the rubbish in barisann
6 hours ago · Report
AMT Datukship is rubbish..no value at all...they can shaft their Datukship..everybody is a Datuk..no valueable at all...very childish attitude.. The award was given for Chua's social service and since he is with PKR..his services are not recognised..grow up lah pse..
6 hours ago · Report
Inspektor Klueso Sacrcity = value. More scarce, more value. The ones strutting around with their "Datukships" and metal insignias on their vehicles are obviously ignorant of this fundamental definition of value. Yes, someone should take a count of all the ABC,DEF,GHI,JKL,MNO......and etc, riff raff titles given out over the years. Should be in the 6 high figures now. Oh, btw, you are in fine company indeed, Datuk Hee is your feller club member. The comedy of it all beyond belief, only in Malaysia.
6 hours ago · Report
petersan IN perak, DATO for selling the rayakat, IN Johor, DATO for crossing to PKR, what a funng things, MR.Chua Jui Meng
6 hours ago · Report
Prof. Honestly, whether you are a dato or not, Tan Sri or not, Tun or not, its not getting you nearer to God or blessed by God more than other people who have not. In essence, its of no value at all in the eyes of God or religion. As bro Suhaimi Said said, the true people fighters should not need such worldly titles. We are all from Adam, the same origin. Why discriminate? So sdra Chua, do not feel bad about it. Just go on doing good to the people, and let the rakyat be the judge.
6 hours ago · Report
Firefly I reckon that most of you are not taking the practical benefits of being a Datuk into account. I know Singaporean businessmen who would normally be disdainful about Malaysia, but who are as pleased as punch to be called Datuks because it gives business associates the impression that they are well connected in Malaysia. Never mind anything else, its an edge in business and good for your CV. That's the only way to look at honorific titles in Malaysia, its a commodity and in economic terms, it has its utility.
7 hours ago · Report
Bobby Chang Johor royalty just gave a big slab to Perak royalty and shot their own feet in the process. We have Datuk He in Perak who cheated and betrayed voters and here in Johor we have Mr Chua who stripped off his datukship due to you-know-what reason. Shame to the decision makers. Think these buggers forgot rakyat are the king makers. And they forgot taxpayers are the ones who feed them all these while. They are answerable to rakyat too mind you!
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