Chua Jui Meng stripped of Johor titles

JOHOR BARU: Former MCA leader Datuk Chua Jui Meng has been stripped of two Datuk titles by the Johor Palace.

Chua, who is currently in PKR, was stripped of the Datuk Seri Paduka Mahkota Johor and Datuk Paduka Mahkota Johor titles on June 8.

When contacted, Chua said he was given another reminder of the palace's actions Thursday.

"Both titles are very special to me as it was given by the late Sultan Iskandar Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail a few years ago.

"I am only the second Chinese in Johor to be given the title of Datuk Seri Paduka Mahkota Johor," he told The Star.

Chua said the palace did not give any reason for on revoking the titles.

"I will not let this deter me. I will work harder to reform Johor as well as the country," he said.

Chua said he would forever be grateful to the late Sultan for his friendship as well as leadership in the state.

"I value his (the late Sultan) friendship and his contribution towards my life.

"I still do not understand why the palace stripped me of the titles now; however, it is the prerogative of the current Sultan," he said.

He added that although he was awarded with datukships from other states, the ones from Johor were the most special.

Johor Council of Royal Court secretary Datuk Abdul Rahim Ramli, when contacted, said the council would hold a press conference on Friday to address the matter.