KOTA KINABALU: Sabah DAP Likas assemblyman Tan Lee Fatt has turned down the "Datuk" title that was conferred on him in conjunction with Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin’s 71st birthday celebration on Oct 5.
The Assistant Finance Minister said he had written to the Sabah Government to decline the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK) award, the second highest honour, in line with DAP’s policy for all members not to receive awards until after they retire from active politics.
"I have not received the official letter (on the conferment), but it has been gazetted, so I do not really know how to explain (the situation).
"Anyhow, I have written to the Chief Minister (Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor) to decline the title, and am still waiting for their reply as well," said Tan, who is the Sabah DAP assistant secretary.
Tan, who was among 87 recipients conferred the PGDK award, said he was also present at the investiture ceremony held at Istana Kinabalu, but explained that he had attended "as a guest."
He said DAP central had not commented on the matter.
Last year, two senior Sabah DAP leaders - Datuk Chan Foong Hin and Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, went against the party policy and accepted their awards while active in politics.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke later confirmed they had been reprimanded for their actions.
