Chan says he accepted Datukship out of respect for Sabah Governor

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah DAP leader Chan Foong Hin says he will accept the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK) that carries the title "Datuk" out of respect for the Sabah Governor.

Chan, who is Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister, said that he was aware that since 2018, party policy states that only retired DAP members are allowed to accept honours from heads of state and national governments.

Chan said he was prepared to face whatever the party decides over the issue of him accepting the PGDK from Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin in conjunction with his birthday celebration.

Chan and Sabah DAP secretary Phoong Jin Zhe, who is state Industrial and Entrepreneur Development Minister, were among those conferred the Datuk title by the Governor at Istana Kinabalu here on Saturday (Oct 7).

Speaking to reporters after checking on rice sales at a supermarket here, Chan said it was difficult to turn down the award.

"I received a phone call from the Istana on Thursday (Oct 5), who asked me to attend the rehearsal on Friday (Oct 6).

"I felt it was not easy or right to refuse it since I am a Sabahan. This offer is from the Governor and state government, so I receive it in good faith.

Chan said he and Phoong considered declining but their names had already been gazetted.

"The names are already under gazette, so we feel that we need to respect the decision and recommendation by the Sabah state government.

"I will now leave it to the party to decide on this issue," he added.