Only Federal Govt can nominate a candidate for ‘Tan Sri’ award

JOHOR BARU: The Federal Government has the prerogative to nominate a candidate to receive the federal award, which carries the title “Tan Sri”.

Even so, the nominees would need to go through a stringent vetting process.

Sultan of Kedah Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah’s senior private secretary, Datuk Elmi Yusoff, said there was no such thing as a state ruler having the power to recommend anyone to obtain the “Tan Sri” title.

“There is no quota or any power vested on any state ruler to make recommendations for the recipients of the title.

“The recommendations come from the Federal Government. The title is awarded to individuals who have made contributions to the country.

“The vetting process is strict and the nominee will undergo many checks before it reaches the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” Elmi told the New Straits Times.

Sultan Abdul Halim is the immediate past Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Elmi was commenting on the recent expose by Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar about an agent who had offered him RM2 million to suggest names to the chief secretary to the government so that they would receive Tan Sri titles from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

The Istana Negara website states that the federal-level award, Panglima Mangku Negara, carries the title of “Tan Sri”. The recipient’s wife will carry the title “Puan Sri”.

The award is given to a distinguished and high-ranking individual who has given excellent service to the country in any field.

The award is limited to only 75 people, excluding foreigners who are bestowed honorary titles.