KUALA LUMPUR: DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke has admitted that he once declined the conferment of honorary titles from the Yang Dipertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
According to Malaysiakini, Loke said back in 2018 the state Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun informed him that Tuanku Muhriz wished to bestow an honorary title upon him but he declined the offer before it was confirmed officially.
"It depends on how you handle it. In my case, I declined even before the official nomination. In 2018, the Menteri Besar contacted me to inform me of a possible nomination.
"I expressed my gratitude to His Majesty for the intended honour but explained our party's policy," he said.
DAP has a policy which prohibits its elected representative from accepting honorific titles, a policy which he believed presents a dilemma as the Transport Minister admitted that declining the royal award might be construed negatively by the Malay community.
"For example, if the offer becomes public and you decline, it may trigger criticism from some, especially the Malay community, accusing you of disrespect.
"Some might question, 'Are you so arrogant that you reject an honour from the royalty?' This is why it can become a sensitive issue, and we need a more careful approach," Loke said.
He also cited the Selangor local government and tourism exco Datuk Ng Suee Lim's case who was nominated for an honorary title by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, in 2023.
He said in that situation, outright rejection of the award would create a misunderstanding and tension with the royal institution.
Other than Ng, some of the party-elected representatives had been awarded honours and honorary titles since the party was first in power either at the state or federal level after the 12th general election in 2008.
Among those who had accepted the honorific titles such as the Beruas Member of Parliament Ngeh Koo Ham, Former Selangor State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Teng Chang Kim, Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister and most recently Sabah Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Tan Lee Fatt.
Thus, Loke said to address the matter comprehensively, the party would discuss the policy at the party National Congress in March, to explore the possibility of exceptions for specific situations.
"Should we review the policy a bit? Or introduce some flexibility? Party members will have the opportunity to discuss it and share their views. After the congress, the new central committee can make a concrete decision," he said.
He expressed his personal stance on accepting any titles while still holding office which is after he finishes his service, something that he found to be more meaningful.