DPSM meant to distinguish classification of Datukship

MALACCA: The newly created Darjah Pangkuan Seri Melaka (DPSM) is meant to distinguish the classification of those awarded their Datukship, Chief Minis­ter Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said.

It carries the title Datuk, similar to Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM) that was introduced in 1978.

The award has just been introduced in conjunction with the 72nd birthday of Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.

“It is conferred to individuals holding posts which are junior to those conferred the DMSM award,” he said after the investiture ceremony at Dewan Seri Negeri, Ayer Keroh yesterday.

He said the approach taken by the state was similar to the Datukships awarded by several states where they were classified as Class I or Class II.

This was to avoid situations where a person with the position as a director-general in a ministry is conferred the title Datuk while at the same time his subordinate receives a similar award.

“In this case, the subordinate would be conferred the DPSM award while his superior would be awarded the DMSM.”

“To the recipient, it would not matter as long as it carries the title Datuk,” he quipped.

Among those on the honours list was Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen who received the Darjah Gemilang Seri Melaka (DGSM) which carries the title Datuk Seri.

Chief confidential secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office Datuk Ab Aziz Kasim and Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin received the Darjah Cemerlang Seri Melaka (DCSM) which caries the title Datuk Wira.

Among the 32 recipients for the DMSM, which carries the title Datuk, are state Education Department director Isa Abu, Sungai Rambai state assemblyman Hasan Rahman, state police chief SAC I Datuk Mohd Rodwan Mohd Yusof, state MIC deputy chairman S. Mahadevan and Star Publications (M) Bhd executive editor Wong Sai Wan.

A total of 110 awards were given out of the 934 during the ceremony yesterday with the remaining 824 awards to be presented today and on a date to be fixed later.