PUTRAJAYA: The move by His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, to warn recipients of federal awards they would be stripped of their titles if they were involved in wrongdoings is necessary to maintain the status and dignity of the Istana Negara.
This was one of the final issues addressed by blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin in a video posted on the Malaysia Today Facebook account two days ago.
He described the His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim's warning as a firm action that must be enforced.
"In the 1970s, there was a 'joke' (among prisoners) when the prison director made a speech (salutation) in front of the inmates, he would say, 'Tun, Tan Sri, Datuk Seri, Datuk, Tuan Haji and all prisoners'.
"This was because many people with titles like Datuk or Tan Sri ended up in prison for crimes, not just Malays but also Chinese and others who were imprisoned for corruption or abuse of power," he said.
In his final post, Raja Petra, the operator of the Malaysia Today website, said the act of withdrawing such titles should be implemented because those who commit crimes and receive punishment do not deserve to retain such honours.
"If you are imprisoned, it is appropriate to have your titles revoked because you were awarded these honours for services to the country and the nation.
"But once you commit a crime that is considered disgraceful for someone with such a title, you are no longer deserving of it," he said.
He said individuals who lose their honours will not only face embarrassment but also public criticism and scrutiny.
On Sept 7, during the conferment of awards, medals and honours, Sultan Ibrahim warned that he would withdraw the federal awards, medals and honours of recipients who commit crimes, tarnish the country's image, or if punished by the courts.
His Majesty had said they had been selected for the awards and honours and therefore, should be honest and trustworthy to the government, mind their behaviour and not be involved in corrupt activities and crime.
Controversial blogger Raja Petra died last night in the United Kingdom at the age of 74.
His death was confirmed by his brother, Raja Idris, this morning.