Paper trail: Chong (left) and Hamzah (centre) showing off copies of documents from the ‘Datuk Seri’ during a press conference at Wisma MCA, Kuala Lumpur. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The plot has thickened in the case of a so-called ‘Datuk Seri’ accused of swindling people of thousands of ringgit, with the man himself “volunteering” to reveal his identity publicly.
“He promised yesterday (Sunday) to prove his identity at today’s press conference.
“But he changed his mind at the last minute and said he had been hospitalised and could not be present,” said MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong.
Chong said the man had earlier contacted his office, indicating that he wanted to attend the press conference to clear his name.
“But later, he said he couldn’t come due to high blood pressure.”
Last Friday, Chong had convened a press conference, saying that he had received six reports from people claiming to have been scammed by a person claiming to be a ‘Datuk Seri’, who supposedly runs an investment scheme.
One victim is said to have lost RM400,000 to the man in question. Another victim is said to be a Datin.
Following the exposure, Chong said the individual uploaded a copy of his identity card and related documents on his social media to clear his name.
“He also threatened legal action against me and the Council of Datuk Dato’ Malaysia (MDDM),” he told reporters yesterday.
However, Chong said they had no intention of apologising.
“If he truly holds the title, he should come forward and prove its authenticity.
“He claims to be a Datuk Seri with the description ‘Ahli Istana Anak Angkat’ above his name. But is that legitimate?” he asked.
Chong also showed a copy of an identity card allegedly of the man’s partner, who referred to herself as ‘Putri’.
He urged others who may have fallen victim to the scam to lodge their own police reports.
MDDM president Datuk Samson David Maman said the council had received calls from another two individuals claiming they were deceived by the same person.
“We regularly receive complaints about bogus Datuk or Datuk Seri. We urge the public to verify any such claims through the official Bahagian Istiadat dan Urusetia Persidangan Antarabangsa website,” he said.
Datuk Hamzah Limin, the Datuk Lembaga Suku Biduanda Raja Balang Luak Johol, reiterated that traditional titles under the Luak Johol jurisdiction are only valid if recommended by the Datuk Undang Johol and officially conferred by the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negri Sembilan at Istana Besar Seri Menanti.
“Any conferment carried out outside of official state ceremonies – such as in hotels or private venues – is not valid,” he said.
Hamzah also warned the public against the misuse of traditional symbols and titles, noting that some individuals have used unauthorised emblems, forged documents and royal-style language such as “Duli Yang Maha Mulia”.
“No titles such as ‘anak angkat’, ‘puteri’ or ‘putera’ have been issued by the Datuk Undang. The public must remain alert to avoid being misled,” he said.
