MALACCA: The state awards ceremony of the 75th birthday of the Yang di-Pertua Negri of Malacca Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob was a star-studded affair when several celebrities also received awards.
Rock legend Ramli Sarip, Harimau Muda A coach Ong Kim Swee and award-winning film and television stalwart Rosyam Nor were among 427 recipients who were conferred various titles during the second investiture held at the Seri Negeri hall yesterday.
Ramli, Ong and Rosyam all received the Darjah Pangkuan Seri Melaka (DPSM) award that carries the title Datuk.
Ramli said he never thought that he would be given the award and thanked the state government for recognising his work in the music industry.
“I am really happy to receive this award and I wish to share the honour with my family and those who have been supporting me throughout the years,” he said after the ceremony.
Rosyam, whose real name is Mohamed Noor Shamsuddin, said he was excited about the state recognition of his work in the local television and film industry.
“This is an honour not just to me, but also all the local artistes who have been working hard.
“I see this recognition as a bigger responsibility and a motivation for me to work harder, contribute more and keep fighting for the artistic scene in Malaysia,” he added.
Rosyam insisted he would remain the same person despite being called a “Datuk”.
Ong thanked the Malacca government for the award. He said the Malaysian football team was fully prepared for the SEA Games that will be held in Naypyidaw, Myanmar.
Bukit Aman management director Comm Datuk Mortadza Nazarene received the Darjah Cemerlang Melaka (DCSM) award which carries the title Datuk Wira.
During the first investiture on Friday Chief Minister Datuk Wira Idris Haron was conferred the Darjah Gemilang Seri Melaka (DGSM) award, which carries the title Datuk Seri.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar was conferred the Darjah Cemerlang Melaka (DCSM) award which carries the title Datuk Wira.
Others who received the DCSM award included Armed Forces chief Jeneral Tan Sri Zulkilfeli Mohd Zin, state Education, Higher Learning, Science and Technology committee chairman Datuk Md Yunos Husin, Mamee Double Decker (M) Bhd CEO Datuk Pang Tee Nam and Mass Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd CEO Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid.
The third investiture ceremony has been postponed to another date that will be announced later in December.