Rules tighten for Pahang state awards

KUANTAN: Except for nominations made by the Pahang Ruler, no person aged 40 and below will be bestowed the Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang (DIMP), which carries the title Datuk, and other higher awards under stricter conditions which have come into force.

In a proclamation on Aug 1, an Assessment Committee and Investigation Committee was introduced to vet nominations and investigate allegations of misconduct.

It states that nominations for the conferment of Pahang titles, dignities, honours and awards can be made by the Ruler, Prime Minister, Chief Secretary to the Government, mentris besar, chief ministers, state secretaries or recognised community or industry leaders.

The proclamation carries an age restriction for recipients of the DIMP award and above, with an exception made only for nominations by the Ruler.

The Assessment Committee, to comprise the Mentri Besar, state secretary, state legal adviser, state financial officer and Pahang police chief, will vet each nomination submitted.

This committee will also include the secretary of the state’s royal council, Pahang Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission director, state Lands and Mines Department director and any other person who may be appointed by the chairman, who is the Mentri Besar, with the concurrence of the Ruler.

A statement from the state government said the Assessment Committee would also form an Investigation Committee made up of three of its members to investigate misconduct.

The decision of the Ruler shall be final and cannot be questioned in any court or tribunal nor can any legal action be brought against either committee.

“This proclamation provides more essence of good governance and instils high integrity in the system of the state of Pahang’s investiture ceremony, ” it read.