Yoursay: DAP has got it right, no titles while in office

YOURSAY | ‘Many would pay excessive sums just to get a bottle cap on their chests…’

Ruling on accepting titles: Harapan MPs disagree with Kadir

Bravemalaysian: I agree with veteran journalist Kadir A Jasin and the DAP's stand: serving politicians should not be given any titles until they choose to retire, or are retired. Such awards should also not be given to serving government servants until they retire.

Frankly, it makes sense that the awards are given in recognition of their services, and not in recognition of their positions.

Things must be done in a new way in New Malaysia. If politicians are more concerned with titles, then they don't deserve our votes. They are supposed to humbly serve the rakyat, and not clamour for titles.

These titles are not worth what they used to be, looking at some of those with those titles who have stolen money from the nation and the people.

As MPs and assemblypersons, politicians are already addressed as "Yang Berhormat". Isn't that enough?

Mission Accomplished: Why this issue of titles so important to politicians? When these same politicians were in the opposition, hardly any awards were given and no one made any fuss over it.

Serve before you think of decorating your uniform with fancy medals.

Anonymous #69337042: By right, the public should be educated not to fall for the award of titles.

Malaysia is the only country in the world that practises a rather free and unrestricted system of giving titles.

The nine royal rulers plus the four appointed heads, in addition to the Agong, can all bestow honorific titles on the occasion of their respective birthday celebrations.

Isn't it true that datukship titles can be bought? There are anecdotes about young undeserving recipients who are caught for committing crime.

Anonymous 381541456985626: The new government must come up with new rules on the award of titles, and not follow those of the previous administration who were thrown out by the rakyat.

If you go back to old system, what difference is there between you and them?

Initially you will accept small gifts and awards. And with time, you will start taking bigger things and not know where to draw the line.

David Dass: The real objection is to the abuse of the practice in the past. Politicians in the ruling party were conferred titles merely because they were politicians.

It was also a notorious fact that businessmen were often conferred with titles for cash consideration and not for service rendered to the nation. Rulers should understand that this practice tarnishes the value of titles awarded for real service.

We are also concerned about the arrogance of people who are in power. Titles on their heads often have the effect of inflating them.

Humility should be the hallmark and principal attribute of politicians. Titles do not help. Titles lead to the belief that the car that one drives must reflect the status of the title holder.
And then the salary that one earns is not enough. And that leads to close associations with businessmen. And we know where that finally leads.

The DAP has got it right. No titles while in office. And lead simple lives. Even Lim Guan Eng got it wrong. With his Mercedes Benz.

Politicians should accept that there are no riches to be made in politics. You are in politics to serve.

Anonymous 2475091498015598: PKR leader R Sivarasa, I conjecture that you are also waiting for your datukship.

If Pakatan Harapan is a coalition government with a difference, your aim should be to change the mindset of the people to not be carried away with titles.

Earn respect like Dr Mahathir Mohamad who puts duty and responsibility before self-aggrandisement.

For the first five years, the sole aim of all Harapan lawmakers should be to turn around the government.

Hang Jebat: It is best that Harapan bans the acceptance of titles bestowed by state rulers. Titles make people beholden. Also note that titles can be withdrawn, so why accept them in the first place?

Follow Mahathir’s example: he prefers to be called Dr rather than Tun.

Shovelnose: Those bestowing awards must also be prudent and award those who have given their all in public service; only after a number of years, not just after retirement or death, for some continue giving till their last breath.

It only cheapens the award if multiples of such are doled out year in, year out. Remove special privileges accorded for such recipients.

Many would pay excessive sums just to get a bottle cap on their chests and a badge in front of their cars to show off.

Jasmine: History shows that those great men and women over the centuries that are still in our hearts and will never be forgotten are those who were honoured with titles given by the ordinary people of the world out of genuine love and respect well-earned and deserved.

So to all those begging in line for the awards, go ahead. It won’t change an iota of what the ordinary citizens of this country will think of you.

You will ultimately be judged and remembered only by your positive deeds that contribute to the overall well-being of the people. Not your attire, your medals nor your empty words.

Malaysia, given its current culture and political direction, has a long way to go, before we can even dream of producing a Mahatma Gandhi, a Mother Theresa or a Nelson Mandela.

Abasir: Harapan MPs have confessed that they are burdened by that carefully-crafted (or is that crafty?) manifesto. Why then would they want to be furthered burdened by titles and awards that bring another set of obligations is a question they have not asked themselves.

As many others have pointed out, these titles just don't happen one fine morning - there is a lengthy and tedious process involving both the nominee and the awarding secretariat.

There is plenty of time to reflect, to exercise prudence and to quietly ask around if politicians branded as "reformists", should do what their ousted predecessors had done. But with minds clouded and hearts seduced by the thought of being called by a title, they were not capable of doing so.

To all of them I say, the change we expect, starts with you. -Mkini