Fake 'Datuks' give a bad name, says Michael Chong

KUALA LUMPUR: Fake "Datuks" give real Datuks a bad reputation, says MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong.

He said that he had been fighting the issue of fake Datukships for almost 15 years.

"Even back in 2007, I was already raising this issue. They do this to get respect. Some also do so to cheat in business.

"They use these titles to convince people that doing business with them would be good," he said at a press conference on the matter at Wisma MCA on Tuesday (March 9).

He also urged the government to go after those that were unauthorised to use official emblems on their vehicles.

"Some are not even from Malaysia. You have cases of foreigners getting these fake titles as well.

"Only three entities can bestow such titles; the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Sultans, and the governors. Anything else is not recognised," he said.

Vice-president of the Council of Federal Datuks in Malaysia, Datuk Alvin Tee, said that the council is also currently in the process of building a National Datuk Association, which he said would help curb fake Datuks.