Minister: I will earn trust behind ‘datukship’
PENAMPANG: International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Darell Leiking said although he has been awarded a Datukship, he feels that he does not deserve it.
“I am speaking for myself. Some people may think that they deserve it, but I personally think I don’t deserve it yet.
“But since I have it, I will work to ensure that the state has made the right decision (in bestowing him a Datukship).
“People have asked me ‘why don’t you reject it’? I’ve already extended my opinion to the chief minister and Yang di-Pertua Negeri (TYT) Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.
“When someone has put their trust in you, then you need to earn it.”
Leiking was among 65 individuals awarded a Datukship by Tun Juhar in conjunction with the latter’s 65th birthday on Oct 6.
He was responding to a question about criticisms with regard to the conferment of the title on certain individuals.
“In my case, I think there are many things that I should do before the award is conferred on me.
“But since the state has bestowed it upon me, I will do whatever I can to the best of my ability in the next five years.”
Meanwhile at the Education and Career Carnival here yesterday, the master of ceremony addressed him as Yang Berhormat Darell Leiking instead of Datuk.