Malay styles and titles

The Malay language has a complex system of honorary titles and salutations, which are usually also still used in Malaysia and Brunei. Singapore, whose monarchy was abolished in 1891 by the British colonial government, has, however, introduced bourgeois title.

The awarding of honorary titles and honorific forms of address is still in Malaysia, Brunei and several Indonesian provinces of the day. However, the following comments relate only to Malaysia. References to Brunei and Indonesia are taken into account where they are relevant.

All non- hereditary titles can be awarded to both men and women in Malaysia. Each title also has a form that can be used by the wife of the honoree. This form is, however, the reverse is not used by the husband of a woman equipped with a title, but then the woman gets the intended male champions title.

  • 4.1 Do
  • 4.2 Toh Puan
  • 4.3 Tan Sri
  • 4.4 Datuk
  • 5.1 Dato ' Sri
  • 5.2 Datuk Seri
  • 5.3 Dato '
  • 5.4 Datuk
  • 5.5 Pehin
  • 5.6 JP
  • 5.7 Dato Paduka
  • 8.1 Malaysian government
  • 8.2 Sabah
  • 9.1 Selangor
  • 9.2 Pahang

Hierarchy of titles

The ranking to be used when one turns to a titleholder formally in writing or in a form of address is the following:

  • Honorary title,
  • Occupational title,
  • Hereditary title of royalty,
  • Awarded by the State title
  • Awarded by the states title
  • Not conferred by the royal family hereditary title,
  • Doctor ( of medicine or philosophy )
  • Haji / Hajjah ( for Muslims - men and women - who have completed Hajj )
  • Name.

A title, they deserve a person because of their royal origin, always trumps a title due to a non - royal title. Male members of the royal houses may optionally also " al - Haj " rear hire her name instead of " Haji ". The following example would be correct:

  • Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Dato Jenerál ' (name ) al - Haj

Honorary title

The following honorary titles are used both as a name suffix before following titles, as well as on its own as an address:

  • Tuan Yang Terutama ( TYT ) (literally, " The most perfect gentleman ") is the address for the Yang di - Pertua Negeri of a State and is the salutation "Your / His Excellency ". The title is also resident in Malaysia ambassador of another country, used, for example, TYT Tuan Christopher J. LaFleur.
  • Yang Amat Berhormat ( YAB ) (literally, " The most honorable ") is the address for the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Prime Ministers of the states of Malaysia.
  • Yang Berhormat (YB ) (literally, " The Honorable ") is the form of address for members of Parliament and members of the legislative assemblies of the states. A prince who is Member of Parliament simultaneously, " Yang Mulia Berhormat " dubs, eg Yang Mulia Tengku Tan Sri Razaleigh Berhormat Hamzah, who sits in Parliament for the constituency of Gua Musang.
  • Yang Amat Arif ( YAA ) (literally " The Gelehrsamste " ) is the title of the Chief Justice of Malaysia, the President of the Malaysian Court of Appeal, the Chairman of the Supreme Court of Malaya and the Chairman of the Supreme Court of Sabah and Sarawak.
  • Yang Arif (YA ) (literally " The Gelehrsame " ) is the title of a judge.
  • Yang Berbahagia ( Y.Bhg. ) (Literally, " the excellent " ) ( and variations thereof ) are the titles of persons with a chivalrous title.
  • Orang Kaya Kaya ( OKK ) is the honorary title of the supreme chief of an indigenous group in Sabah.

Hereditary Title of the royal houses

The following titles are hereditary and the royal families of the nine monarchies in Malaysia and the royal families of Brunei reserved.

Malaysia

  • Yang di - Pertuan Agong (literally "He who was made ​​ruler " ) is the official title of the ruler of Malaysia who is elected from among the monarchs of the nine royal houses. The title is usually translated in the West as " king".
  • Yang di - Pertuan Besar (literally, "He, who was made ruler " ) is the official title of the ruler of Negeri Sembilan. All other rulers - with the exception of the Raja of Perlis - are sultans.
  • Yang di - Pertua Negeri is the title of the head of state of those states that have no hereditary ruler.
  • Tuanku is both a title when he appears before the name, andererseit a salutation when Tuanku stands on its own. Tuanku is Malay rulers reserved. Literally, it means "My Lord " and may in the personal salutation as " Your Majesty " or " Your Highness " is understood. Tuanku is not translated. In Sarawak " Tuanku " is used by some noble families. In Aceh, an Indonesian province, children and grandchildren of a reigning monarchs are titled as " Tuanku ".
  • Tengku is equivalent to that of a prince or a princess. Other spellings are Tunku in Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Kedah, and Ungku or Engku Ansaruddin Agus to characterize certain lines of the family tree. Raja is used in Perak and some pedigrees of Selangor and Syed / Sharifah in Perlis in conjunction followed by the name of the royal " Jamalullail " clan.

Brunei

  • Yang di - Pertuan Negara (literally "He, who was made ruler of the State" ) is the official title of the Sultan of Brunei and can be translated as " head of state " also simple. The title was used until independence in 1965 in Singapore; then the head of state was only as "President" titled.
  • Pengiran Muda and Pengiran Anak are honorific designations prefixed as the name of the direct members of the royal family.
  • Pengiran is a hereditary honorary title for those who are related by blood to the royal family. The title is prefixed to the name. Awangku is the honorific for male descendants of Pengiran as long as they are not married yet. The title is prefixed to the name.
  • Dayangku is the honorific for female descendants of Pengiran as long as they are not married yet. The title is prefixed to the name.

Formal styling highly placed persons

  • Ke Duli Yang Maha Mulia Bawah (literally: " The dust under the feet of his Exalted Highness " ) is the Yang di - Pertuan Agong and assimilated rulers of other countries used. The Yang di - Pertuan Agong also uses the prefix " Paduka Seri Baginda " (literally: " Conqueror Majesty ") during his title in English usage often referred to as "His Majesty" ( His Majesty ) is translated.
  • Yang Mulia Teramat is for the children of reigning sultans ( with the exception of Negeri Sembilan ) and used by the Dato ' Kelana, the Undang of Sungai Ujong in Negeri Sembilan.
  • Yang Amat Mulia is used for the children of the ruler of Negeri Sembilan and Johor, the Undang of Jelebu, Johol and Rembau and the Tunku Besar Tampin in Negeri Sembilan of.
  • Yang Mulia is the title of heirs and heiresses whose ancestry goes back to the royal houses.

Awarded by the State Title

In Malaysia, the responsibility for awarded by the State title at the Yang di Pertuan Agong. The following listed items are non- hereditary honorary title. Awarded by the State title may be revoked by the Yang di - Pertuan Agong or be returned individually.

Do

The titles do exist in the Malay society for hundreds of years. In earlier times, Tun was used as a title of honor nobleman of royal lineage. He was hereditary in male offspring.

Over time, doing became a title which was awarded by the Agong those who had rendered great services to the nation. The wife of a Tun is titled Toh Puan.

Do is the highest state- conferred title. It is awarded to support the Order SMN ( Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara ) or SSM ( Seri Setia Mahkota ). However, SMN and SSM are not the highest national awards, but are ranked fourth and fifth respectively. The above awards can be issued to no more than each 35 living persons, this restriction only applies to Malaysian nationals.

Toh Puan

The title for the wife of a Tun is Toh Puan.

Tan Sri

Tan Sri is the second highest state- conferred titles and is the awarding of the Order of Panglima Mangku Negara (PMN ) and Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM ) bound. PMN and PSM rank seventh and eighth in the state awards. The wife of a Tan Sri is called Puan Sri. The award PMN may be issued to no more than 75 living persons, while the maximum number of award PSM can not exceed more than 250. Again, these restrictions apply only to Malaysian citizens.

The current Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin carries this item.

Datuk

Datuk is a title conferred by the state, which has been awarded since 1965. It is restricted to the recipients of the Panglima Jasa Negara Order ( PJN ) and Panglima Setia Diraja (PSD ) ( a maximum of 200 living people). The medal PJN and PSD rank ninth and tenth conferred by the State Awards.

The wife of a state-appointed Datuk is the Datin.

Of the states conferred title

The states of Malaysia have their own titles that are awarded by the individual rulers or the Yang di - Pertua Negeri. These titles are honorary and not hereditary. Awarded by the State title may at any time be revoked or returned from their vehicle.

Dato ' Sri

Dato ' Sri or Dato' Seri is the highest title that can be bestowed by the ruler of the Sultanate of those who have earned special merits for Malaysia or the State. The rank of the title is below that of an action and is equivalent to that of a Tan Sri. The wife of one such honoree is called Datin Sri.

The title of the current Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato ' Sri Najib Tun Razak. The two former Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad and Abdullah Ahmad Badawi held during her reign also the title of Dato ' Sri. After them the highest state title Tun was awarded by the Yang di - Pertuan Agong.

As Dato ' Sri is the highest title that can be given in a State, there is a limit to the number of the title holder. The respective rulers gives these titles once a year to a few people on the occasion of the celebrations for his birthday. In Selangor, a maximum of two Dato ' Sri ( SPMS ) may be awarded annually and the total number of 40 living honorees must not be exceeded. These restrictions, however, apply only for Malaysian citizens.

Some rulers lend beyond titles that over the Dato ' Sri stand, but apply only within their state, such as the title Dato' Sri Utama Negeri Sembilan in the state.

Datuk Seri

Datuk Seri will be awarded in the states that have no ruler. In the states of Malacca, Penang and Sabah Yang di - Pertua Negeri of the awards the title Datuk Seri equivalent to the title of Dato ' Sri is and is pronounced the same way.

At the mention of the title in the media caution with the interpretation, since there often Dato ' Sri and Datuk Seri equally be named as Datuk Seri.

Dato '

Dato ' is the most common highly regarded title in Malaysia. The wife of a Dato ' is the Datin, except in Terengganu where she worked as To' Puan is dubbed (not to be confused with a Toh Puan, the wife of a non- hereditary action.)

The title Dato ' (which is pronounced the same as Datuk ) may be awarded only one of the nine hereditary rulers of the Malay states.

There is also the hereditary title of Negeri Sembilan from Datos. This title is not conferred by the ruler, but is governed by traditional laws of the indigenous population. The wife of a hereditary Dato ' is politely as " To' Puan addressed ".

In other states, certain noble families also have hereditary titles and be dubbed Dato '. For example, is the current Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato ' Sri Najib Tun Razak, hereditary Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar of Pahang. His Salutation would be " Dato ' " although he was not a " Dato' Sri was appointed " ( SSAP ) [note 1]

Foreigners may be awarded the title of unscheduled and honorary. Its application is limited locally in this case.

Datuk

Datuk is the title of Yang di - Pertua Negeri of the Yang Di Pertuan was appointed by the Agong. The Yang di - Pertuan Negeri of Malacca, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak the title Datuk may also lend, but not the title Dato '.

Some states give specific titles, such as Datuk Wira in the state of Malacca and Datuk Amar and Datuk Patinggi in the state of Sarawak. Foreigners may be awarded the title of unscheduled and honorary. Its application is limited locally in this case.

Pehin

This title will be mainly brought in Brunei and Sarawak on the application. As an example of a carrier bruneischen this title is the former Interior Minister Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Di - Raja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa. In Sarawak, the title is borne for example by the current Prime Minister, Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib.

JP

JP ( Justice of Peace ) ( engl Justice of the Peace ) are based on the rank forth below all Dato ' or Datuk. Justice of the Peace in Malaysian local courts were widely qualifying by law and replaced fully trained magistrate.

The state governments appoint nevertheless continue as honorary magistrate. 2004 translated by some associations of Friends judges to the government of Malaysia that this Magistrate Judge be accepted as second-class in the local courts to reduce the backlog of unprocessed court cases. Foreigners may be awarded the title of unscheduled and honorary. Its application is limited locally in this case.

Dato Paduka

Dato Paduka is the most frequently awarded titles in Brunei. He is a stage of the Order Darjah Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei Yang Amat Mulia ( The Most Honourable Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei ). The wife of a Dato Datin Paduka means; except the title holder itself is a woman, she would then dubbed Datin Paduka. Other versions of Dato Paduka Seri Paduka include Dato, Dato Paduka Seri Dato Laila Utama Dato Paduka Seri Laila Jasa. These titles are awarded by His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei; they are all not hereditary.

Other hereditary title

  • Pengiran synonymous with Tengku ( Prince )
  • Raja, the application varies depending on the lineage
  • Ungku, in some states for maternal descendants of the ruling family
  • Raden, a royal name that can be used in various Malay Sultanates in Kalimantan and very common among the Malays in Pontianak is.
  • Syed is a title which is worn by the male descendants of the male line of the Prophet Muhammad through his grandsons Hassan and Hussein. Female descendants bear the title Syarifah or Sharifah.

Other styling

  • Haji (or Hajjah in female form ) may be used by persons who have completed a Haj. This title will be with " HY " or " Hjh. " abbreviated.
  • Tuan is synonymous with the term master. Because of its colonial overtones you find this item on its own now rarely, but it can be prefixed with no problems the title Syed and Haji. It is also used for untitled Members of Parliament and deputies of the diets. In some states, such as Kelantan, called the Salutation also a member of the royal family.
  • Encik (abbreviated " En " ) the generally used form of address for all male adults and corresponds to the surname prefix " Lord" in English.
  • Puan (abbreviated " Pn " ) can be used for all women, married women. The address is equivalent to the English salutation ' Mdm. / Madam '. As in the Malay culture does not bear the name of her husband, marry a wife, Puan, the expression can not be associated with the German expression Woman surname. In contrast, married women Sino- Malaysian descent with ( malay ) Puan first name or (english) Mdm. First name addressed. [Note 2]
  • Cik corresponds to the term no longer used in the German lady and will be applied to all unmarried women.

Awards

Malaysian Government

Currently, there is a hierarchy of 28 awards. The costs associated with the presentation of an award title and styling have already been presented above.

Sabah

The state of Sabah due to an Act of Parliament to Yang Amat Mulia order of knights Darjah Kinabalu (The Illustrious Order of Kinabalu ) ( engl The Exalted Order of Kinabalu ) was launched. The admission into the Order is connected to the right to the use of title, namely:

  • The First Degree ( Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Kinabalu ) gives the wearer the salutation Datuk Seri Panglima. Their wives Datin Seri Panglima bear the title. The title may be preceded by the name, also the abbreviation SPDK may be added after the name.
  • The Second Degree ( Knight Commander of the Order of Kinabalu; dtsch: Grand Commander ) gives the wearer the salutation Datuk. Their wives bear the title Datin. The title may be preceded by the name, also the abbreviation PGDK may be added after the name.
  • The third level involves only the insertion of the abbreviation ASDK behind the name.
  • The fourth degree involves only the insertion of the ADK abbreviation behind the name.

Deprivation of titles

In the past some Datuk fell into the public on by a not exactly exemplary lifestyle; some have even been convicted of crimes. Within the Sultanate therefore steps have been taken, with the reputation of the title is to be secured. This includes both the summons to " consultations " as well as the withdrawal of already conferred titles.

Selangor

  • When the Datos Selangor tried to form an association of Datos in Selangor, the application was initially approved by the authority the register of associations leading. The plan was postponed after the Sultan threatened every Dato, the beiträte this association, deprive his title immediately.
  • 2003 drew the Sultan of Selangor, the titles of four Datuks back.

Pahang

  • 2004 drew the Sultan of Pahang, the titles of two Datos back.

Criticism of the procurement practices

In the early days of Malaysia honorary degrees were awarded sparingly. So were the first cabinet after Independence in 1957, only five of the 15 of the Minister with the rank of Datuks. The Tan Siew Sin then Finance Minister was justice of the peace; later the title of an action he was awarded. The father of Malaysian independence, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al- Haj, got no title, but as a prince of the state of Kedah, he led the hereditary title of " Tunku ". His salutation of protocol was " Yang Mulia Teramat ". In the Senate, only 14 and in Parliament Datuk Datuk seven were represented.

The inflationary lending practices of recent years increasingly called on critics of the plan. How Do criticized Dr Mahathir that the main problem of the title representing its almost invalidated amount of ceremonies. In an interview, he commented: "I personally believe that something only has value if it is limited ... If one million Ferrari are produced, no one will want to have a Ferrari. "

Raja Muda Raja Nazrin Shah, the Crown Prince of Perak said: "Sometimes I think that we have given too many Datuk ... the diluted and devalued the title."

As the state government of Penang, the 25 -year-old world champion Nicol David squash and the Olympic silver medalist Lee Chong Wei in May 2009 rose to Datuk, this sparked heated debate because of the low age of the title receiver. The state government of Malacca has been criticized after it awarded the Datuk title to the Indian actor Shahrukh Khan that this State used the Melakka as the location for his films.

Title (disambiguation) Yang di-Pertua Negeri Yang di-Pertuan Negara Pontianak, Indonesia Shah Rukh Khan
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