Everyone Can Be A Datuk

Here's an interesting take on this subject: Datuk, Datuk, Datuk

I guess everyone knows that Datukships carries minimal value these days, if any at all. Much has been written about the Datuk-for-sale fiasco a few years back and of course whether Datukships were the prerogative of the conferring Ruler, or as certain quarters suggested, at the behest of the ruling government. I always thought that these titles were conferred to individuals whom have done much for the betterment of society and state - but then again, I always wondered why my ex-boss in Sabah never got any titles despite almost single-handedly improving health delivery for children there! Who am I kidding?

Nowadays unfortunately Datukships can not only be bought, it can be used to pay off, bribe or coerce 'recalcitrant' individuals - well it may be a bit cheaper than paying cold hard cash. It becomes a 'come join the club' membership programme. And the members of this once exclusive club are getting bigger - once it becomes too large, it cheapens the whole. But these people don't give the least of a damn; to the poor and poorly-educated, a Datuk is like God to them - instead of being in a privileged position to help them, the power is more oft than not used to abuse and subvert these people to their own benefit, be it for publicity or in kind. That is the sole reason why it is in such good demand.

Oh, this is again truly Malaysia Boleh!