KUALA LUMPUR: An influencer with a large following has found herself in hot water with the Council of Datuk-Datuk Malaysia (MDDM) after they alleged that she has been using a fake title.
MDDM president Datuk Samson David Maman (pic) said the matter came to the council’s attention on Nov 17 after several members contacted them to seek clarification.
“She is a very prominent influencer. Initially, she used the title DPW (Datuk Panglima Wilayah) which does not exist.
“After we highlighted this, she changed it to PMW (Panglima Mahkota Wilayah) which is an official award,” he told reporters when met outside the Ampang Jaya police district headquarters yesterday.
Samson added that the influencer had claimed the award was bestowed by a foundation in recognition of her charity contributions.
“It is an offence for anyone to use such an award title unless it has been properly conferred by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Rulers or the state Governors.
“Any action that implies otherwise is not only unlawful but also an affront to Malaysia’s system of honour, our national institutions and the dignity of our Royal Houses,” he said.
Samson said that following public scrutiny, the influencer further claimed that her award involved a royal princess and maintained that it was originally given in 2020.
“If this is indeed true, we believe she may be a victim of scammers and should come forward to identify those responsible in order to protect her own reputation,” he said.
Samson said the police report was lodged to safeguard the integrity of the country’s honorific system.
“Datukship titles cannot and must not be commercialised, misused or self-appointed under any circumstances,” he added.
He also said that the MDDM will now leave the matter to the police.
“We take this matter seriously. We are not an authoritative body but will highlight such matters so the authorities can take action,” he said.
