Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and several provinces in Indonesia regularly award honorary and life titles. What follows in this article is specific to the Malaysian system. References to Brunei and Indonesia are given when pertinent.
In Malaysia, all non-hereditary titles can be granted to both men and women. Every title has a form of address which can be used by the wife of the title holder. This form is not used by the husband of a titled woman; such a woman will bear a title which is the same as a titled man.
Indonesia, meanwhile, as a republic, does not recognise hereditary rulers and aristocratic systems.
Usage
The sequence that should be used when formally writing or addressing a person's name is: honorary style, professional rank, royal hereditary title, federal title, state title, non-royal hereditary title, Doctor (of medicine or philosophy), Haji/Hajah (for Muslim men and women who have performed the Hajj), name.
For instance, in Brunei, the title for one of Bruneian traditional ministers (Pehin-Pehin Cheteria) whose honorary title would be Yang Berhormat, profession rank is Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela, state title is Dato Seri Setia and traditional Bruneian Malay prefix title for non-royalty is Awang. An example would be Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Dato Setia Haji Mohamed Taib.
Yang Amat Berhormat Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg (federally)
Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg (in his home state).
Another exception is when a person has received an award from a state other than the person's home state; when visiting the award-bestowing state, that state's title will take the place of a home state's title (if any). As an example, the current Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim will be titled as follows:
Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim (federally)
Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Anwar bin Ibrahim (in Sabah)
Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Seri Utama Anwar bin Ibrahim (in Penang)
Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Seri Diraja Anwar bin Ibrahim (in Perlis)
A style carried by virtue of royal title always trumps those carried by non-royal titles. Male royals may choose to append 'al-Haj' to their name instead of using 'Haji'. The following example is correct:
Yang Amat Mulia General Tengku Dato' (name) al-Haj.
Malay royalty
The following titles are hereditary and reserved for royal families of the royal families of Brunei and nine royal states of Malaysia. Brunei is the only absolute monarchy left in the Malay world, and the monarchy has the power in the government.
Brunei
The following official titles are used for members of the royal house in Brunei Darussalam. As Brunei is an absolute monarchy, it is important to address royal family members with the correct title. Improper usage may cause discomfort.[5]
The Sultan and the Queen of Brunei are styled as Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda (KDYMM PSB) (literally 'his/her most glorious majesty who is raised most high'):
Raja Isteri (literally 'King's Wife'; Queen Consort), is the official title of the ruler's most senior consort, styled as Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Raja Isteri (Her Majesty the Queen);
Pengiran Isteri (literally 'Princess Consort') is the official title of the ruler's junior consort, styled as Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri (Her Royal Highness);
Begawan Sultan the office of the former abdicated sultan (last held by Omar Ali Saifuddien III who abdicated in favour of his son), styled as Kebawah Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan (His Majesty Begawan Sultan);
Begawan Raja is the official title for the queen mother, styled as Kebawah Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Suri Seri (Her Majesty Begawan Queen).
For those who have blood-ties with the royal family who are married, styled as Prince or Princess in English, and given the hereditary honorific prefix Pengiran:
Pengiran Muda Mahkota is the official title of the heir-apparent and the crown prince, styled as Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri (His Royal Highness);
Pengiran Muda is the official title of a blood prince, they are styled differently:
The sons of the Sultan, if they do not have supplementary titles, are styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri (His Royal Highness);
The sons of the Pengiran Muda Mahkota are styled Yang Teramat Mulia (His Royal Highness);
Pengiran Anak Puteri is the title for the daughters of the Sultan, they are styled Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri (Her Royal Highness);
Pengiran Anak Isteri the consorts of the sons of the Sultan, it differs according to different princes:
The consort of the Pengiran Muda Mahkota is styled Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri (Her Royal Highness);
The consort of the Pengiran Perdana Wazir is styled Yang Teramat Mulia and has no English style;
The consort of the other sons of the Sultan is styled Yang Amat Mulia (His Nobleness);
Pengiran Anak is the title for the sultan's other grandchildren. However, they are styled differently:
Daughters of the Pengiran Muda Mahkota are styled Yang Teramat Mulia (Her Royal Highness);
Other grandchildren of the Sultan are styled Yang Amat Mulia with no English equivalent;
Sons-in-law of the Sultan who are elevated to nobility are styled Yang Amat Mulia;
The lower royalty The Cheteria are all entitled to the style Yang Amat Mulia.
Exclusive royal titles for the descendant of Princess Norehsani, the only surviving female heir of the 26th Sultan of Brunei, Ahmad Tajuddin, the uncle of the current Sovereign Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah;
Tengku Putera for male, are styled Yang Amat Mulia (His Nobleness);
Tengku Puteri for female, are styled Yang Amat Mulia (Her Nobleness).
A person who marries a distant member of the royal family (i.e.: Pengiran) is given the title Pengiran Anak; the title is lost if they divorce.
Pengiran Isteri the wife of a prince, usually with royal heritage;
Pengiran Bini the wife of a prince, usually with non-royal heritage.
According to the Royal Custom (Adat Istiadat), the title of Pengiran will be given to at least five generations of Pengiran Anak descendants (grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren) and they will no longer use the Pengiran Anak titles.
The unmarried children of Pengiran are styled as Awangku for males and Dayangku for females.[6] Not to be confused with Brunei's equivalent of Mr. (Awang) and Ms. (Dayang), which applies to everyone with no royal titles.
Malaysia
Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia (KDYMM) (literally 'He/She Whom is The Dust of The Almighty') is used for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and state rulers alike. The title is a reference to the rulers being subjected to the Law of God, with their powers being dust compared to the power of Allah. However, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong also uses the prefix 'Seri Paduka Baginda' (literally, 'Conqueror Majesty') and in English, his title is often translated as 'His Majesty'. However, the style differs from state to state as according to states' tradition.
Federal
Titles of Malaysian royalty and rulers:
Yang di-Pertuan Agong (literally, 'He who is made Supreme Lord' but usually 'Supreme Head' or 'Paramount Ruler') is the official title of the ruler of all Malaysia, elected from among the nine heads of the royal families. The title is often glossed 'King' in English. He is styled as Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda (His Majesty).
Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong (literally, 'Deputy of He who is made Supreme Lord', but usually 'Deputy Supreme Head' or 'Deputy Paramount Ruler') is the official title of the deputy ruler of all Malaysia who is also elected from among the nine heads of the royal families. The title is often glossed 'Deputy King' in English. He is styled as Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia (His Majesty).
Raja Permaisuri Agong (literally, 'The Supreme Lady') is the official title of the consort of the ruler of Malaysia. The title is often glossed 'Queen' in English. She is styled as Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda (Her Majesty).
Yang di-Pertua Negeri (YDPN) is not a royal title, but the title of 'The Head of the State' (the 'Supreme Head') for the state of Penang, Melaka, Sabah, and Sarawak, which do not have hereditary rulers. Yang di-Pertua Negeri is installed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The title is sometimes translated as 'Governor' in English. They are styled Tuan/Puan Yang Terutama (His/Her Excellency).
Tunku Ampuan Besar ('The Chief Royal Consort') is the title of the queen consort of royal parentage for Negeri Sembilan. She is styled as Duli Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Che' Ampuan Besar is the title of the queen consort of non-royal blood (orang kebanyakan). She is styled as Yang Teramat Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Tunku Ampuan ('The Chief Dowager') is the title of the queen dowager. She is styled as Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Tunku Puan Besar ('The Senior Chief Dowager') is the title of the senior queen dowager. She is styled Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
The children of rulers have the title and style of Yang Amat Mulia (His Highness) Tunku and (Her Highness) Tunku.
The fiefs of the state, the Undangs are for the areas (luak) of Jelebu, Johol, Sungai Ujong, and Rembau. They are all styled Yang Teramat Mulia (His Highness). Their spouses are titled Tok Puan with the style Yang Mulia (Her Highness).
The Tunku Besar of Tampin, a semi-autonomous area ruled by the Al-Qadri family. He is styled Yang Teramat Mulia (His Highness). His spouse is accorded the title of Tunku Isteri (of royal parentage) and Cik Puan Isteri (of non-royal blood) with the style of Yang Mulia (Her Highness).
The Tunku Besar (literally the 'Senior Prince') of Seri Menanti is the title of eldest son of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar. He is styled Yang Amat Mulia (His Highness).
Selangor
Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan is the title of the ruler of Selangor. He is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia (His Royal Highness). The style is also the title of the state anthem.
Tengku Ampuan Selangor is the title of the queen consort of royal parentage. She is styled as Duli Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Tengku Permaisuri Selangor is the title for queen consort of non-royal blood. She is styled as Duli Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Che' Puan Besar Selangor is the title for second consort of the ruler (of non-royal blood) if he is still marries with queen consort. She is styled as Yang Teramat Mulia (Her Highness).
Tengku Ampuan (literally 'Queen Dowager') is the title of the queen dowager is she of royal blood. She is styled as Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Paduka Bonda Raja (literally 'Royal Mother') is the title of the Sultan's mother who was not installed as a Tengku Ampuan. She is styled as Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Permaisuri is the title of the queen dowager if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Yang Amat Mulia (Her Highness).
Raja Muda Selangor (literally means 'Younger King') is the title of the heir apparent. He is then styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia (His Highness).
Raja Puan Muda Selangor (literally 'Younger Lady King') is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia (Her Highness).
Che' Puan Muda Selangor is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Yang Teramat Mulia (Her Highness).
The other children of the Sultan is titled and styled Yang Amat Mulia (His/Her Highness) Tengku.
The palace dignitaries or Orang Besar Istana whom are responsible for any engagement involving the palace is titled and styled as Yang Dimuliakan (His Highness) Tengku. His spouse is accorded the honorific prefix of To’ Puan.
Perlis
Raja and Yang di-Pertuan is the title of the ruler of Perlis. He is styled as Duli Yang Maha Mulia (His Royal Highness).
Raja Perempuan (literally 'Female Queen') is the title of the queen consort of Perlis. She is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Raja Perempuan Besar is the title of the queen dowager. She is styled Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Raja Muda (literally 'Younger King') is the title of the heir apparent. He is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia (His Royal Highness).
Raja Puan Muda (literally 'Younger Lady King') is the title of the consort of the heir apparent. She is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
The other children of the Raja and Raja Muda are styled as Yang Amat Mulia (His/Her Highness) Syed/Sharifah, with the suffix house name of Jamalullail.
Terengganu
Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan is the title of the ruler of the state of Terengganu. He is styled Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia (His Royal Highness).
Tengku Ampuan Besar is the title of the queen consort of the state for queens of royal blood. She is styled as Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Permaisuri is the title of the queen consort if she is not of royal blood initially used by Sultanah Nur Zahirah until it was changed by Sultan Mizan. A Permaisuri is styled Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Sultanah is the title that is awarded to the consort of the Sultan. She is styled Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Tengku Ampuan is the title of the Queen dowager. She is styled as Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Tengku Ampuan Tua (literally 'Grand Queen dowager') is the title of the senior queen dowager. She is styled as Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Tengku Besar is the title of the Sultan's mother if she has not been crowned. She is styled as Yang Teramat Mulia (Her Highness).
Yang di-Pertuan Muda (literally 'He who is made the young Lord') is the title of the heir apparent. He is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia (His Royal Highness).
Tengku Puan Muda is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
To' Puan Seri is the honorific form of address for the consort of the heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Yang Amat Berbahagia (The Most Felicitous).
The other children of the Sultan is styled and titled Yang Amat Mulia (His/Her Highness) Tengku.
Kedah
Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan is the title of the ruler of the state of Kedah. He is styled Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia (His Royal Highness).
Sultanah is the title of the ruler's consort, of royal blood or not. She is styled Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Tunku Ampuan (Dowager Queen) was the title of the widow of the ruler who is of royal blood. She was styled Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Che Puan Besar (literally 'Grand Dowager') is the title of the widow if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Raja Muda (literally 'Crown Prince') is the title of the heir apparent. He is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia (His Royal Highness).
Raja Puan Muda (literally 'Crown Princess') is the title of the consort of the heir apparent. She is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Tunku Mahkota (literally 'Deputy Crown Prince') is the title of the second heir apparent. He is titled Duli Yang Amat Mulia (His Highness).
Tunku Puan Mahkota (literally 'Deputy Crown Princess') is the title of the consort of the second heir apparent. She is titled Duli Yang Amat Mulia (Her Highness).
The other children of the Sultan and Raja Muda are titled and styled Yang Teramat Mulia (His/Her Highness) Tunku.
Kelantan
Al-Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan Kelantan is the title of the ruler of the state of Kelantan. He is styled Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia (His Royal Highness).
Raja Perempuan Kelantan (literally 'Lady King') is the title of the consort of the Sultan if she is of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Sultanah Kelantan is the title of the consort of the Sultan if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Raja Perempuan (literally 'Queen Dowager') is the title of the queen dowager if she is of royal blood. She is styled Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Tengku Mahkota Kelantan (literally 'Crown Prince') is the title of the heir apparent. He is styled Yang Teramat Mulia (His Highness).
Tengku Ampuan Mahkota Kelantan (literally 'Crown Princess') is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is of royal blood. She is styled Yang Teramat Mulia (Her Highness).
Che Puan Mahkota Kelantan (equivalent to 'Crown Princess') is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Yang Teramat Mulia (Her Highness).
The other children of the Al-Sultan are titled Yang Amat Mulia (His/Her Highness) Tengku. If they hold certain palace positions, they are titled Yang Berhormat Mulia (His/Her Highness The Honourable) Tengku.
Pahang
Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan is the title of the ruler of the state of Pahang. He is styled Kebawah Duli Paduka Baginda (His Royal Highness).
Tengku Ampuan Pahang (literally 'Queen Consort') is the title of the consort of the Sultan if she is of royal blood. She is styled Kebawah Duli Paduka Baginda (Her Royal Highness).
Sultanah Pahang is the title of the consort of the Sultan if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Tengku Ampuan Besar Pahang ((literally 'Queen Dowager') is the title of the queen dowager if she is of royal blood. She is styled as Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Che Puan Besar Pahang (literally 'Grand Dowager') is the title of the widow if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Yang Amat Mulia (Her Highness).
Tengku Mahkota Pahang (literally 'Crown Prince') is the title of the heir apparent. He is styled Kebawah Duli Paduka Mulia (His Royal Highness).
Tengku Puan Pahang (literally 'Crown Princess') is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is of royal blood. She is styled Kebawah Duli Paduka Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Che Puan Pahang (equivalent to 'Princess Consort') is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Duli Paduka Mulia (Her Highness).
The children of the Sultan are titled and styled Yang Amat Mulia (His/Her Highness) Tengku. The children of the Tengku Mahkota are titled and styled Yang Mulia (His/Her Highness).
The other all descendants of the Sultan are titled Tengku.
Johor
Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan is the title of the ruler of Johor. He is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia (His Majesty).
Permaisuri is the title for a queen consort of royal blood (direct daughter of the sultan) outside the Johor Sultanate's blood line. She is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia (Her Majesty).
Sultanah is the title for his wife with non-royal blood or for his wife of noble birth (distant royal relatives). She is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia (Her Majesty).
Tunku Ampuan (archaic) is the title for the consort of the Sultan if she is from a junior branch of the Johor Royal Family. She was styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness). This was last used in 1895 for Tunku Ampuan Ungku Maimunah.
Tunku Puan is the title of the queen dowager of royal blood. She is styled Yang Amat Mulia (Her Highness).
Enche' Besar is the title awarded to the mother of the Sultan if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Yang Amat Mulia (Her Highness).
Tunku Mahkota (literally 'Crown Prince') is the title of the heir apparent. He is styled Duli Yang Amat Mulia (His Royal Highness).
Isteri Tunku Mahkota (literally 'Consort of the Crown Prince') is the title for the consort of the heir apparent. She is styled Yang Amat Mulia (Her Highness).
Che' Puan Mahkota (literally 'Crown Princess') is the honorific form of address for the consort of the heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styled as Yang Amat Mulia (Her Highness).
Raja Muda (literally 'Younger King') is the title of the first son of the heir apparent. The situation is similar to France where during the reign of Louis XIV, his son was titled the le Grand Dauphin and his grandson was also titled le Petit Dauphin. He is titled Duli Yang Amat Mulia (His Royal Highness).
The other children of the Sultan are titled and styled Yang Amat Mulia (His/Her Highness) Tunku.
Related Royal paternal hereditary titles to Tunku, is Ungku. Denotes particular lineages of the Royal Family of Johor with the style of Yang Mulia (His/ Her Highness).
Perak
Sultan, Yang di-Pertuan dan Raja Pemerintah is the title of the ruler of Perak. He is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri (His Royal Highness).
Raja Perempuan Perak is the title of the consort of the ruler if she is of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Raja Permaisuri Perak is the title of the consort of the ruler if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Raja Puan (of royal blood) and Che’ Puan (commoner) is a title of the second wife of the ruler. She is styled Yang Teramat Mulia (Her Highness).
Raja Perempuan is the title of the queen dowager if she is of royal blood. Would be granted the style of Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Raja Permaisuri is the title of the queen dowager is she is not of royal blood. She is styled Yang Maha Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Raja Muda Perak is the title of the heir apparent. He is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia (His Royal Highness).
Raja Puan Besar Perak is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Che Puan Besar Perak is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia (Her Royal Highness).
Raja Di-Hilir Perak is the title of second heir apparent. He is styled Duli Yang Amat Mulia (His Highness).
Raja Puan Muda Perak is the title of the consort of the second heir apparent if she is of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Amat Mulia (Her Highness).
Che Puan Muda Perak is the title of the consort of the second heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Amat Mulia (Her Highness).
The other children of the Sultan and Raja Bergelar is styled Yang Teramat Mulia (His/Her Highness) Raja/Engku.
Federal titles
In Malaysia, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King of Malaysia) grants honours to recipients nominated by the Government of Malaysia as awards which are honorary and non-hereditary. These honours may also be revoked by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or returned by the individual. Some of the highest honours bestowed carries with them the titles of Tun, Tan Sri, or Datuk.
There is a maximum number of Malaysian subjects who may be award-holders at any one time. These numerical limits apply only to Malaysian subjects. Foreigners may be awarded such titles in a supernumerary and honorary capacity, and may use the title locally.
Tun
The Tun title has existed in Malay traditional society for hundreds of years. In ancient times, Tun was an honorific title used by noble people of royal lineage, inherited by the male descendants. Over time, the Tun title has become a title conferred by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to the most-deserving recipient who has highly contributed to the nation.
Tun is the most senior federal title awarded to recipients of either the Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara (Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm) (SMN) or Seri Setia Mahkota (Grand Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia) (SSM). However, the SMN and SSM are not the highest federal awards, ranking fourth and fifth, respectively. There may not be more than 25 (SMN) and 35 (SSM) living holders of each of these awards respectively at any one time. The title for the wife of a Tun is called Toh Puan. The recipients and their wives are then bestowed with the style of Yang Amat Berbahagia or (The Most Felicitous).
Datuk is a federal title that has been conferred since 1965. It is limited to recipients of Panglima Jasa Negara (Commander of the Order of Meritorious Service) (PJN) and Panglima Setia Diraja (Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Royal Family of Malaysia) (PSD). There may be up to 200 living PJN holders and 200 living PSD holders at any one time. The wife of a Datuk is called a Datin. The recipients and their wives are then bestowed with the style of Yang Berbahagia (The Felicitous).
In Malaysia, state honours are awarded by the respective heads of the thirteen states. Such titles are honorary and non-hereditary. State titles may be revoked or suspended by the head of state, or may be returned by the individual. Dato' Sri or Dato' Seri (sometimes Dato’ is spelled and pronounced Datuk in some states) is the highest state title conferred by the Ruler on the most deserving recipients who have contributed greatly to the nation or state. It ranks below the federal title Tun, and is an honour equivalent to federal title Tan Sri. The wife of a recipient is Datin Sri or Datin Seri. In many cases, the number of Malaysian nationals who may hold a state title or honour at one time is limited. Such limits do not apply to foreigners.
This title is mainly used in Brunei Darussalam. An example of the title in Brunei would be Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Di-Raja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa, the former Minister of Home Affairs and the current Special Adviser to the Sultan of Brunei.[7] The titles refers to the traditional ministers posts in Brunei.
Pehin Sri
This title is mainly used in Sarawak. Awarded to individuals who have been appointed as Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak or equivalent or higher. An example of the title in Sarawak would be Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak.
Seri Setia
This title is mainly used in Malacca. Awarded to individuals who have been appointed as Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Malacca or equivalent or higher. An example of the title in Malacca would be Tun Seri Setia (Dr.) Haji Mohd Ali Rustam, Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Malacca.
JP
Justice of Peace (JP) ranks below all Dato' or Datuk. In Malaysia, Justices of Peace have largely been replaced in magistrates' courts by legally-qualified (first-class) stipendiary magistrates. However, state governments continue to appoint Justices of Peace as honours. In 2004, some associations of JPs pressed the federal government to allow JPs to sit as second-class magistrates to reduce the backlog of cases in the courts.
The following are used as styles, both before a person's title, and by themselves as forms of address:
Tuan Yang Terutama (TYT) (lit.'The Most Eminent Master') – the style of a state governor, equivalent to 'Your/His Excellency', and also as a title for serving Ambassadors to Malaysia, e.g. T.Y.T. Tuan Brian D. McFeeters. Previously, the archaic equivalent to the style His Excellency was Paduka Yang Mulia (PYM). This was used by Singapore, Indonesia, and in Malaysia; for other Republic's leaders, while the style for Governors / Yang di-Pertuas were Yang Terutama.
Yang Amat Berhormat (YAB) (lit.'The Most Honorable') – the style of the prime minister, the deputy prime minister, the Premier of Sarawak, the chief ministers and the Menteri Besars of the states, and Tuns who are members of parliament. It used to be 'the Right Honorable', but since Malaysia withdrew as a member of the Privy Council in the 1990s, the right to use 'Right Honorable' has been revoked.
Yang Berhormat (YB) (lit.'The Honorable') – the style of members of parliament and state legislative assemblymen. The prefix Yang Berhormat is also used for recipients of the First and Second Classes of the Johor's Orders of Chivalry, regardless of whether a member of parliament or not.
Yang Berhormat Mulia (YBM) (lit.'His Highness The Honorable') - the style for a member of royalty who is also a member of parliament (e.g. Yang Berhormat Mulia Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji, the MP for Raub). This style is also used by royals with high ranking federal titles such as Tun or Tan Sri (eg. Yang Berhormat Mulia Tun Raja Uda).
Yang Arif (YA) (lit.'The Wise') – the style of a judge of the Federal Court or Court of Appeal, as well a judicial commissioner or judge of the High Court of Malaya or the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak. It does not apply to session court judges or magistrates.
Yang Amat Berbahagia (YABhg) (lit.'The Most Felicitous') – the style of persons with the titles Tun or Toh Puan, and the spouses of state governors, the spouse of the prime minister, the spouse of the deputy prime minister, as well as the spouses of state chief ministers.
Yang Berbahagia (YBhg) (lit.'The Felicitous') (and variants thereof) – the styles of persons with a chivalrous title.
Yang Hormat (YH) (lit.'The Respect') – the style for recipients of the First and Second Classes of the Pahang's Orders of Chivalry.
The English versions of these styles follow British usage. Thus the prime minister, cabinet ministers, senators, state executive councillors and judges of the High Court and above are styled the Honorable or the Right Honorable, although technically it is a solecism to style the prime minister or heads of courts Right Honourable as they are not members of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom.
Other Malay titles by inheritance
Permata or Paramata, jewel or princess.
Raja Muda crown prince or heir apparent.
Simban, literally means 'worshipped'.
Pengiran, equivalent to Tengku or prince.
Raja ruler determined by hereditary lineage.
Tunku, equivalent to Tengku, Ungku (for Johor) or prince / princess. A hereditary (paternal) title from one of the lineages of the Royal Family of Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Kedah with the style of Yang Mulia (His/ Her Highness).
Teuku, name of the royal lineage inherited by the male line used by the Achehnese. The title Cut, for female will be inherited if her father is a descendant of Teuku or Ulee Balang (title for king/ruler).
Raden, a royal family name used in the several Malay Sultanates in Kalimantan, used extensively by the Pontianak Malays.
Abang is a title that is particularly found in Sarawak. Its use is rooted in the appointments of Datuk Patinggi, Datuk Temenggung, Datuk Bandar and Datuk Imam, centuries before the British colonisation. The children of these state dignitaries carry the title Abang (male) and Dayang (female). When an Abang marries a Dayang or a commoner, the issue will get to keep the title. The issue of a Dayang does not carry a title if they have a non-Abang father. However, if a Dayang marries a male aristocrat bearing a different title than hers, her issue will be named according to the husband's given title.
Awang is the term used for addressing men in Brunei equivalent to Mr. or as a given hereditary name amongst Sarawakian Malay. Anyone who inherited the name of Awang and Awangku through patrilineal family lineage may later claim the title Pengiran since they are also related to the Brunei Sultanate. This, however, requires the approval of elders who must consider if he is mature enough to carry the title – or once he has married. The change is only eligible for those who inherit the name Awang from their family line. As for the rule of inheritance of the name, it is the same as Abang.
Dayang is the term used for addressing women in Brunei and it is equivalent to Ms. Dayang is also the female issue of an Abang and an Awang (see Abang and Awang).
Syed (Malay), Sayyid or Sayed (Philippines), is a title inherited by male descendants, through the male line, from Muhammad via his grandsons Hassan and Hussein. Female descendants are known as Syarifah, Sharifah, or Sayyidah.
Meor is a title inherited by the male issue of a Syarifah and non-Syed father. For females, the first letter of the name comes with 'Ma' as in Ma Mastura. This is typically used in Perak and few other states such as Terengganu and Kelantan.
Megat (Malay), or Pamegat or Gat (Philippines), the title was historically inherited by a lineage from a royal maternal family with a commoner father.[8] In the Philippines, this survives in common high-born surnames Gatdula and Gatsalian, along with the Order of the Philippines Gat (similar to a knight).
Puteri is a title inherited by the female descendant of a Megat. In the Philippines, Puteri, commonly spelled as Putri, Potri, Potli, or Potre, is used to denote any royal princess of hereditary issue.
Tun is a title inherited by the issue of a Puteri, the female descendant of a Megat and a commoner father, in turn inheritable through the male line. In Pahang, it is the title of a male or female descendant of a Sultan through the female line. In the upper part of Terengganu, Tun is a title inherited by descendants of the now-abolished Bendahara of Terengganu.
Wan is a title inherited through the male line, given to a son or a daughter of a royal-family mother who married a commoner. This is typically found in Patani, Pahang, Kelantan, Kedah, Terengganu, and Natuna-Anambas. In Kedah, Wan is the title used by descendants of certain former chief ministers of the state, e.g. the descendants of Wan Mohd Saman. Wan can also be used as the title for a girl's name, though this is uncommon, e.g. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. Wan can also be found in Sarawak, and is somehow related to the state's Syed lineage. A female issue of Wan carries the title Sharifah. A Wan may later claim the title Tuanku. This, however, can only be done after he gains the approval of the elders and is considered mature enough to carry the title. The change is only eligible for those who inherit the name Wan from their family line. The issue of a Sharifah does not carry a title if he/she has a non-Wan father.
Nik is a title inherited by the issue of a male Nik. It is typically found in Patani, Kelantan, and Terengganu.
Che is a title inherited by the issue of a male Che descendants, and were also used by some Malay nobles in ancient time. Certain lineage of Raja Jembal descendants also uses the Che title. However the Che title can also be passed down from a descendant of a female Nik and non-Nik male. The Che title is commonly found in Pattani, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu.
Other titles
Haji (or Hajjah for female) can be used by people who have completed the Hajj. This title is abbreviated as 'Hj.' or 'Hjh.'.
Tuan literally means 'master'. Due to its colonial overtones, this term is mostly obsolete, although the title can still be added to Syed and Haji. It is used for non-titled members of Parliament and State Assemblymen. In some states like Kelantan, it could also denote one of the royal family. As an equivalent of Sir, it is used in formal correspondence. When addressing an audience, the plural form 'tuan-tuan' (gentlemen) is used, usually combined as 'tuan-tuan dan puan-puan' (gentlemen and ladies).
Encik (abbreviated 'En.') is equivalent to Mr., and can be used by all men. Warrant Officers in the Singapore Armed Forces are also referred to as Encik informally.
Puan (abbreviated 'Pn.') can be used by all married women. It is equivalent to Madam, not Mrs., as most married women in Malay-speaking countries do not use the names or surnames of their husbands. For married women who use their husbands' names, they can be addressed as Puan (husband's name). It is also used in formal correspondence. When addressing an audience, the plural form 'puan-puan' (ladies) is used, usually combined with 'tuan-tuan' as 'tuan-tuan dan puan-puan'.
Cik is equivalent to Miss, and can be used by all unmarried women.
Related issues
Not all Datuks have lived exemplary lives, and some have been convicted of crimes. The various rulers have recently taken steps to ensure the integrity of the institution by means of consultation and the revoking of the given titles.
Mahathir Mohamad mentioned that one of the problems with titles in Malaysia is the numbers of them given out. He stated in an interview "Personally, I feel if you want to give value to anything, it must be limited... if you produce a million Ferrari cars, nobody will care about buying a Ferrari."[9]
The Sultan Nazrin Shah of Perak, stated "That is my view. You degrade the award and the Ruler has the right to revoke it. In my opinion, it should be taken away." He also stated that "Sometimes, I think we give away too many datukships... it dilutes and devalues the award."[This quote needs a citation]
In the first government following the independence of Malaya in 1957, 5 of 15 cabinet Ministers were Datuks. The Minister of Finance of Malaysia at the time, Tan Siew Sin, held the title Justice of Peace. Later, he was granted a Federal award which carried the title Tun. The father of Malayan independence, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, received no awards and carried the title Tunku, which he inherited as the prince of the state of Kedah. He was honorarily referred to as Yang Teramat Mulia (YTM). The Senate held only 14 Datuks, and House of Representatives held only seven.
The Malacca government was criticised for awarding the Datuk title to a non-Malaysian Indian actor, Shah Rukh Khan, for making movies and promoting the Malacca state internationally.[10]
The Sultan of Pahang revoked the titles of two Dato's in 2004.
Selangor
The Dato's of Selangor attempted to set up an association of Selangor Dato's. It received approval from the registrar of societies, but was shelved when the Sultan forbade any Dato' from joining or otherwise risk losing their title.
Four Datuks were removed in 2003 by the Sultan of Selangor.
Dato' SeriAnwar Ibrahim had his title revoked by the Sultan of Selangor on 3 November 2014.[12]
In 2019, the Sultan of Selangor revoked the state honours bestowed upon Najib Razak and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, on 12 September 2022.[13]
A style of office or form of address, also called manner of address, is an official or legally recognized form of address for a person or other entity, and may often be used in conjunction with a personal title. A style, by tradition or law, precedes a reference to a person who holds a post or political office, and is sometimes used to refer to the office itself. An honorific can also be awarded to an individual in a personal capacity. Such styles are particularly associated with monarchies, where they may be used by a wife of an office holder or of a prince of the blood, for the duration of their marriage. They are also almost universally used for presidents in republics and in many countries for members of legislative bodies, higher-ranking judges, and senior constitutional office holders. Leading religious figures also have styles.
The Raja Permaisuri Agong, also known as the Paramount Consort and also unofficially as the Queen of Malaysia, is the consort of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the elected, constitutional federal monarch of Malaysia.
Permaisuri Siti Aishah is the consort of the 11th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Al-Haj of Selangor. She was the youngest ever Raja Permaisuri Agong (Queen) of Malaysia, ascending the throne at the age of 28 on 26 April 1999.
Al-Mu’tassimu Billahi Muhibbuddin Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah was the 28th Sultan of Kedah from 1958 until his death in 2017, the fifth Yang di-Pertuan Agong from 1970 to 1975, and again as the fourteenth from 2011 to 2016. He was the first and only ruler to reign as Yang di-Pertuan Agong twice, as well as the oldest elected to the office. Immediately prior to his death, he was the second longest-reigning living monarch in the world after Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom.
Mohamed Bolkiah ibni Omar Ali Saifuddien III is a member of the royal family of Brunei. He is the second son of Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei, and Raja Isteri (Queen) Pengiran Anak Damit. He is the Head of the Brunei’s Viziers. After Brunei’s independence in 1984, he became the country’s first foreign minister, serving from 1 January 1984 until 22 October 2015. He served in the cabinet as the Minister of the Brunei's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade alongside the second Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Lim Jock Seng.
Sultan of Selangor is the title of the constitutional ruler of Selangor, Malaysia who is the head of state and head of the Islamic religion in Selangor. The current monarch, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah ascended the throne on the death of his father, on 22 November 2001.
Tuanku Tengku Fauziah binti Almarhum Tengku Abdul Rashid is the current Raja Perempuan of Perlis. She also served as the Raja Permaisuri Agong of Malaysia from 13 December 2001 to 12 December 2006.
Sultanah Nur Zahirah is the current Sultanah of Terengganu as the wife of Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin. She was the 13th Raja Permaisuri Agong of Malaysia from 2006 to 2011.
Raja Zarith Sofiah binti Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah is the Raja Permaisuri Agong (Queen) of Malaysia and the Permaisuri (Queen) of Johor as a wife of Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar. She was born as a member of the Perak royal family. While still attending Somerville College, Oxford, she married the heir to the throne of Johor. Now a mother of six, she participates in the work of non-governmental organisations and universities, and writes a periodical column for a newspaper.
The installation of Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta'in Billah as the sixteenth Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia took place in a Malay Royal Ceremony at the Balairong Seri, Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, 30 July 2019 at 10 a.m. He was elected earlier by the Malay Rulers in the 251st Special Meeting of Conference of Rulers which was held at Istana Negara on 24 January 2019. The meeting was held upon the abdication of the previous Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V of Kelantan who abdicated from his post on 6 January 2019. Abdullah held the position for a period of 5 years beginning on 31 January 2019.
The Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor is the title given to the royal consort of the Sultan of Selangor that are not of royal blood.
Sultanah of Kedah is the title given to the consorts of the incumbent Sultan of the Malaysian State of Kedah. The title was introduced by Sultan Badlishah on 13 May 1943. Previous consorts of the Sultan of Kedah given no any official title. Sultanah is styled as Her Royal Highness.
Che Puan Julia Abdul Rais, is a Malaysian former model and actress. She is a member of the Bendahara dynasty as the second wife of Abdullah of Pahang, the 6th modern Sultan of Pahang and 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia.
Princess Nor Ehsani or sometimes spelled Noor Ehsani, is the only child and daughter of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin and Queen Tengku Raihani.
The Kelantan royal family consists of the family members of the Sultan of Kelantan. It currently consists of Muhammad V of Kelantan and his close relations.
Pengiran Anak Siti Saerah or also referred to as Balabab Besar, was the eldest child and daughter of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin and Kadayang Amas. Additionally, she was the eldest granddaughter of Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam II and Raja Isteri Fatimah, and first cousin to the current Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
Enche’ Besar Hajah Khalsom binti Abdullah was the first wife of Sultan Iskandar and mother of Sultan Ibrahim, who is the current Sultan of Johor and the seventeenth Yang di-Pertuan Agong since 31 January 2024. One of her daughters, Tunku Azizah, married Sultan Abdullah, the current Sultan of Pahang, who was previously the sixteenth Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
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