JP Selangor, MDDM And MDPM To Boost Cooperation, Curb Misuse Of Honorific Titles

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- The Council of Justice of Peace (JP) Selangor, together with Majlis Datuk Dato’ Malaysia (MDDM) and Majlis Datuk Persekutuan Malaysia (MDPM), have agreed to strengthen strategic collaboration to uphold public integrity and curb the misuse of honorific titles.

The historic milestone was reached during a recent joint dialogue session involving the three councils, marking a significant step forward in inter-council cooperation and coordinated action in the national interest.

The meeting was chaired by Council of JP Selangor president Datuk Ng Seong Liong and co-led by MDDM president Datuk Samson Maman and MDPM deputy president Datuk Seri Irmohizam Ibrahim, with MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong also in attendance.

In a statement, the Council of JP Selangor said the dialogue reflected a collective commitment for sustained collaboration to uphold integrity, protect public trust and safeguard the dignity of legitimately conferred titles.

“In recent years, the councils have observed a growing and deeply concerning trend involving individuals who falsely or without authorisation claim honorific titles such as Dato', Datuk, Dato' Seri, Datuk Seri, JP or even Tan Sri.

“Many of these individuals deliberately pose for photographs with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Rulers, Governors, the Prime Minister, Ministers, YB, MB, senior officers or public figures and subsequently post such images on social media to create a false impression of legitimacy, recognition, or endorsement,” the statement read.

It added that such tactics have been used to deceive investors, gain undue trust and secure personal or financial advantage, with some cases involving the installation of blue strobe lights on vehicles, falsely portraying authority linked to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) or royalty-related escorts.

Other cases that have been identified involving the use of fake or unauthorised uniforms, logos, emblems or insignia; display of fake or unauthorised titles on name cards, vehicles, company records, documents and event backdrops; as well as false claims of professional or association status, including lawyers, consultants, advisors, or councils, without valid accreditation.

“These actions are not harmless acts of vanity. They constitute deliberate misrepresentation that undermines public confidence, damages the integrity of genuine titleholders and exposes individuals, businesses, and investors to serious risk,” it said.

Hence, the three councils jointly agreed to collaborate on initiatives including combating fake and unauthorised titles; addressing scams, fraud and misleading representations and curbing injustice through abusive or malicious legal actions.

Enhancing verification systems, information-sharing, and public awareness, as well as strengthening cooperation with authorities, civil society and the public, would also be among the initiatives.

Meanwhile, Chong said he has been handling complaints related to fake and unrecognised 'Dato' titles since 2000, noting that the issue continues to persist, while Samson said more than 36 police reports have been lodged by MDDM since 2023.

The Council of JP Selangor urged the public to exercise due diligence by verifying claims through recognised channels and reporting suspected abuses to relevant authorities, adding that the landmark meeting lays the foundation for structured and coordinated action in the interest of justice, transparency and public trust.

-- BERNAMA