LETTERS: On September 7th, 2024, NST reported that His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, warning about the revocation of federal awards, medals, and honours for those who commit crimes or tarnish the nation's image is a strong statement on accountability and integrity.
This stance reinforces the notion that such awards are not just ceremonial but also come with significant responsibilities.
By setting this precedent, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim emphasizes that awards should be reserved for individuals who maintain high ethical standards and contribute positively to the country.
This year, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim only conferred 116 awards unlike some states that conferred more than 1,000 awards. This approach contrasts with practices in some Malaysian states where awards are conferred more broadly.
Sultan Ibrahim's emphasis on a more selective and accountable process highlights a commitment to ensuring that honours are meaningful and reflective of the recipients' character and actions.
Emulating this approach could lead to a more rigorous and principled system of awarding honours nationwide, potentially enhancing public trust in such recognitions.
It could also encourage recipients to uphold the highest standards of conduct, knowing that their awards could be rescinded if they fail to meet these expectations. This policy might serve as a model for other states, promoting a culture of integrity and responsibility in the awarding of honours.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim's emphasis on accountability in the awarding of federal honours underscores several key benefits and advantages.
Most significantly, by linking the retention of awards to ongoing ethical behaviour, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim fosters a culture of integrity among recipients. This helps ensure that honours are not merely symbolic but serve as a reflection of the recipient's commitment to high moral standards.
Furthermore, when awards are granted with stringent criteria and can be revoked for misconduct, it enhances public trust in the recognition system. People are more likely to view such honours as prestigious and meaningful when they are associated with real standards of excellence and conduct.
Therefore, knowing that an award can be withdrawn if one engages in corrupt or criminal activities can motivate recipients to maintain high standards of behaviour. This preventive measure helps curb potential misconduct and corruption, contributing to a more ethical society.
Moreover, by adopting a selective and accountable approach, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim sets a high benchmark for awards. This can influence other states and institutions to adopt similar standards, leading to a more uniform and principled system of recognizing contributions and achievements.
Thus, a rigorous selection and revocation ensure that awards are given to truly deserving individuals. This strengthens the value and prestige of the awards, making them more significant to both recipients and the public.
Moreover, if this approach proves successful, it could encourage other states and organizations to adopt similar policies. This could lead to a nationwide shift towards more accountable and meaningful award systems.
In conclusion, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim's approach not only reinforces the integrity of the awards but also potentially drives broader societal benefits by promoting accountability, enhancing public trust, and encouraging positive behaviour among award recipients.
DATUK DR P. SUNDRAMOORTHY
Criminologist
Centre for Policy Research
Universiti Sains Malaysia