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The Malay language has a complex system of titles and honorifics, which are still used extensively in Malaysia and Brunei. Singapore, whose Malay royalty was abolished by the British colonial government in 1891, has adopted civic titles for its leaders. The Philippines historically used Malay titles in its pre-Hispanic history as evidenced by historical figures Rajah Sulayman, Lakandula and Dayang Kalangitan. Malay titles are still used by the traditional royal houses of Sulu, Maguindanao, Maranao and Iranun in the southern Philippines.^[1][2][3][4]

Indonesia, meanwhile, despite being a Republic, recognizes several hereditary rulers and aristocratic systems, mostly those who supported the Independence movement of 1945. The late wife of former President Suharto, for example, was the Raden Ayu Siti Hartinah, not as some say, Madame Suharto. (Under the Dutch in Java, similarly, descendants of the Majoors, Kapiteins and Luitnens der Chinezen were entitled to the hereditary title "Sia".) In the 1930s, the colonial government abolished these titles and Peranakan feudalism, during implementation of their "social policy", whose goal was establishing a more egalitarian society.^{[citation needed]}

Today, Malaysia, Brunei and several provinces in Indonesia still regularly award honorary and life titles. What follows 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 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.

The sequence that should be used when formally writing or addressing a person's name is as follows:

Honorary Style, Professional Rank, Royal Hereditary Title, Federal Title, State Title, Non-royal Hereditary Title, Doctor (of medicine or philosophy), Haji/Hajjah (for Muslim men and women who have performed the Hajj), Name.

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 Jeneral Tengku Dato' (Name) al-Haj

Malay royalty[link]

The following titles are hereditary and reserved for royal families of the nine royal states of Malaysia and royal families of Brunei.

Malaysia[link]

• 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.
• Yang di-Pertuan Besar (literally "He who is made Great Lord", but often "Great Lord") is the official title of the Ruler of Negeri Sembilan. All other Rulers are Sultans except the Raja of Perlis.
• Yang di-Pertua Negeri is not a royal title, but the title of a Governor of a state which does not have a hereditary ruler.
• Tuanku is both a title when used before a name and form of address when used alone, and is reserved for the Malay Rulers. It literally means "My Lord", and as a form of address can be glossed as "Your Majesty" or "Your Highness", but is left untranslated when used as a title. In Sarawak, "Tuanku" is the prefix used by certain noble families. In Aceh, a province of Indonesia, "Tuanku" is given to children and grandchildren of a ruling monarch.
• Tengku (also spelled Tunku in Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Kedah, and Ungku or Engku to denote particular lineages, and Raja in Perak and certain Selangor lineages, and Syed/Sharifah in Perlis if suffixed by the royal clan name "Jamalullail") is roughly equivalent to Prince or Princess. Tengku is also royal hereditary Malay title in eastern Sumatra which is part of Alam Melayu (Malay World). East Sumatra have several Malay sultanate such as Sultanate of Langkat, Sultanate of Serdang, Sultanate of Deli, Sultanate of Asahan, Sultanate of Siak Sri Indrapura, Tengku Besar of Pelalawan and Sultanate of Riau-Lingga

Brunei[link]

• 'Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan' is the official title of the Sultan of Brunei. The present Sultan's official name (with full title) is "Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam"
• The Crown Prince has the title "Pegiran Muda Mahkota".
• The Sultan's sons would have the title "Pengiran Muda" while his daughters would have the title "Pengiran Anak Puteri"
• Pengiran is a hereditary honorific prefix for people who have blood ties with the royal family.
  • Awangku is the honorific for male children of a pengiran who are unmarried.^[5]
  • Dayangku is the honorific for female children of a pengiran who are unmarried.^[5]

Styles on formal Malaysian notices[link]

• Ke Bawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia (literally "The Dust Under The Feet of His Exalted Highness") is used for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and state Rulers alike. 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". A state Ruler is "His Royal Highness" (before 1971, "His Highness"). Since 1984, the ruler of Johor has used the title "Baginda" as well, but he is still referred to in English as "His Royal Highness". The ruler of Perak also uses the prefix "Paduka Seri" which is derived from the archaic formula "Paduka Seri Maulana". The ruler of Negeri Sembilan also used the prefix "Paduka Seri" between 1993 and 2004 (this has since been dropped). These titles are not used as a form of address - instead Tuanku is used.
• Yang Teramat Mulia is used by the children of reigning Sultans (except in Negeri Sembilan) and by the Dato' Kelana, the Undang of Sungai Ujong in Negeri Sembilan
• Yang Amat Mulia is used by the children of the ruler of Negeri Sembilan and Johor, the Undang of Jelebu, Johol and Rembau and the Tunku Besar of Tampin in Negeri Sembilan
• Yang Mulia translates to His/ Her Grace, used for heirs and heiresses, who are the descendants of royal families.

Federal titles[link]

In Malaysia, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong grants federal title awards. Some may carry the following federal titles. Such titles are honorary and non-hereditary. Federal title may be revoked by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and may be returned by the individual.

Tun[link]

The Tun title has existed in the Malay society for hundreds of years. In ancient times, Tun was an honorific title used by noble people of royal lineage. Tun is a title inherited by the male descendants.

Over time, the Tun title has become a title conferred by the Agong to the most deserving recipient who has highly contributed to the nation. The wife of a Tun is Toh Puan. The highest federal award granted by the Malaysian government is the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SPGP).

Tun is the most senior federal title awarded to recipients of either the SMN (Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara) or SSM (Seri Setia Mahkota). However, the SMN and SSM are not the highest federal awards. The SMN ranks fourth in order of Federal Awards and the SSM ranks fifth.

There may not be more than 35 local living holders of each of these awards at any one time. The numerical limits apply only to Malaysian subjects. Foreigners may receive the award in a supernumerary and honorary capacity and use the title locally.

Toh Puan[link]

The title for the wife of a Tun is Toh Puan.

Tan Sri[link]

Tan Sri is the second most senior federal title and an honorific used to denote recipients of the Panglima Mangku Negara (PMN) and the Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM). The PMN and PSM rank seventh and eighth respectively in the order of Malaysian Federal Awards. The wife of a Tan Sri is called Puan Sri.

There may be at any time up to a maximum of 75 living PMN holders, and a maximum of 250 living PSM holders. The 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.

The current Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia has the title Tan Sri, and is known as Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Datuk[link]

Datuk is a federal title that has been conferred since 1965. It is limited to recipients of Panglima Jasa Negara (PJN), of which there may be up to 200 living at any one time, and Panglima Setia Diraja (PSD), of which there may be up to 200 living at any one time. The PJN and PSD rank 9th and 10th respectively in the rank of federal awards.

The wife of a federal Datuk is a Datin.

A female conferred the title in her own right is formally known as "Datin Paduka"; the prefix "Datuk" is more commonly used for women as well as men.

The numerical limits apply only to Malaysian subjects. Foreigners may receive the award in a supernumerary and honorary capacity and use the title locally.

Individual states that have a head of state nominated by the respective state's legislature may confer the title of 'Datuk' to individuals. However, this is different from the title "Dato'". The latter is awarded by individual states headed by a Sultan, and not a head of state nominated by the state legislature. For example, the Yang Dipertua Negeri Melaka is the non-hereditary head of state nominated by the Melaka state legislature. He may confer the title of 'Datuk'. The Sultan of Pahang is the hereditary ruler of the state and may confer the title of "Dato'". Individual rulers (and their staff) determine the award of these titles.

State titles[link]

In Malaysia, the Ruler and Governor grants state title awards. Some may carry the following state titles. Such titles are honorary and non-hereditary. State title may be revoked by the Ruler or Governor, and may be returned by the individual.

Dato' Sri[link]

Dato' Sri or Dato' Seri 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 honor equivalent to Tan Sri. The wife of a recipient is Datin Sri.

The current Prime Minister of Malaysia's title is Dato' Sri Najib Tun Razak. Both former Prime Ministers Mahathir bin Mohamad and Abdullah Ahmad Badawi also held the title Dato' Sri during their administrations. After retirement, both received Malaysia's most senior federal title Tun, conferred by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Since Dato' Sri is the most senior state title, there is a limited quota that can be awarded in each state. The Ruler only confers such an honorary title to a very few recipients during the Ruler's royal birthday celebration every year. In Selangor, a maximum of 2 Dato' Sri (SPMS)^[6] state awards can be conferred each year, up to a maximum of 40 living Dato' Sri (SPMS)^[6] holders at any one time. The numerical limits apply only to Malaysian subjects.

Some rulers grant awards which carry highest titles unique to that state, such as Dato' Sri Utama of the state of Negeri Sembilan.

Datuk Seri[link]

Datuk Seri is also the most senior state title conferred only by the governor to the most deserving recipient who has highly contributed to the nation or state.

A governor who is appointed by the Yang Di Pertuan Agong, namely the Governor of Melaka, Penang, Sabah except Sarawak, can award the Datuk Seri title and such honorary title is equivalent with Dato' Sri.

However, both titles Dato' Sri and Datuk Seri may cause confusion since Malaysia media and press may address Dato' Sri title holders as Datuk Seri.

Dato'[link]

Dato' is the most common highly regarded title in Malaysia. The wife of a Dato' is a Datin, except in Terengganu where they are known as "To' Puan" (not to be confused with "Toh Puan", the wife of a non-hereditary "Tun").

The Dato' (pronounced in similar manner to Datuk) may only be conferred by a hereditary royal ruler of one of the nine Malay states.

There are also hereditary Dato's from Negeri Sembilan, where titles are held for life by heads of certain families and passed on to their heirs. These are not conferred by the ruler, but passed on through the customary native laws. The wife of a hereditary Dato' is addressed by courtesy as "To' Puan".

In other states, certain noble families also have hereditary titles and are addressed as Dato'. For example, the current Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Sri Najib Tun Razak, is hereditary Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar of Pahang. He would have been addressed as "Dato'" even if he had not been conferred a "Dato' Sri" (SSAP)^[7] state award of Pahang.

Foreigners may be awarded such titles in a supernumerary and honorary capacity and use the title locally.

Datuk[link]

A governor who is appointed by the Yang Di Pertuan Agong. The Governors of Melaka, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak can confer the title Datuk, not Dato'.

Some state governors grant awards which carry titles unique to that state, such as Datuk Wira of the state of Melaka, and Datuk Amar and Datuk Patinggi of the state of Sarawak. Foreigners may be awarded such titles in a supernumerary and honorary capacity and use the title locally.

Pehin[link]

This title is mainly used in Brunei and Sarawak. 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.^[8] In Sarawak, it would be Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib, the current Chief Minister of Sarawak.^[9]

JP[link]

JP or Justice of Peace rank below all Dato' or Datuk. In Malaysia, Justices of the Peace have largely been replaced in magistrates' courts by legally-qualified (first-class) stipendiary magistrates.

However, state governments continue to appoint Justices of the Peace as honours. In 2004, some associations of Justices of the Peace pressed the federal government to allow Justices of the Peace to sit as second-class magistrates in order to reduce the backlog of cases in the courts. Foreigners may be awarded such titles in a supernumerary and honorary capacity and use the title locally.

Dato Paduka[link]

Dato Paduka is the most common title awarded in Brunei, of which it is a class of the Darjah Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei Yang Amat Mulia (The Most Honourable Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei). The wife of a Dato Paduka is a Datin, except when the recipient is a female, whereby she would be addressed as Datin Paduka. Other versions of Dato Paduka includes Dato Seri Paduka, Dato Paduka Seri, Dato Laila Utama, Dato Paduka Seri Laila Jasa and others. These title awards are granted by His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei, and the titles are non-hereditary.^[10]

Honorary styles[link]

The following are both used as styles, before a person's title, and (by themselves) as forms of address:

• Tuan Yang Terutama (T.Y.T.) (literally "The Most Eminent Master") is 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 Christopher J. LaFleur.
• Yang Amat Berhormat (Y.A.B.) (literally "The Most Honourable") is the style of the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Chief Ministers of the states.
• Yang Berhormat (Y.B.) (literally "The Honourable") is the style of Members of Parliament and state Legislative Assemblymen. A prince who is a Member of Parliament is "Yang Berhormat Mulia" e.g. Yang Berhormat Mulia Tengku Tan Sri Razaleigh Hamzah, the MP for Gua Musang. "Yang Berhormat" is also used for recipients of the First Class Order of the Crown of Johor (S.P.M.J.) regardless whether he is a Member of Parliament or not.
• Yang Amat Arif (Y.A.A.) (literally "The Most Learned") is the style of the Chief Justice of Malaysia, the President of the Malaysian Court of Appeal, the Chief Judge of the High Court of Malaya and the Chief Judge of the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak.
• Yang Arif (Y.A.) (literally "The Learned") is the style of a judge.
• Yang Berbahagia (Y.Bhg.) (literally "The Felicitous") (and variants thereof) are the styles of persons with a chivalrous title.

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 Honourable. It is a solecism to style the Prime Minister or a Minister Right Honourable as they are not members of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom.

Other Malay titles by inheritance[link]

• Pengiran, equivalent to Tengku or Prince'
• Raja, varies depends the lineage of heretary.
• Ungku, equivalent to Tengku or Prince. A hereditary (paternal) title from one of the lineages of the Royal Family of Johor.
• 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 origin rooted from the appointments of Datuk Patinggi, Datuk Temenggung, Datuk Bandar and Datuk Imam for centuries, long before the British colonization. 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 he/she has 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 and it is equivalent to Mr. However, Awangku are hereditary, of which they may later claim the title Pengiran since they are also related to the Brunei Sultanate. This, however can only be done after he gets the approval of the elders and is considered as matured enough to carry the title, or after which 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 is a title inherited by male descendants, through the male line, from the Prophet Muhammad via his grandsons Hassan and Hussein. Female descendants are known as Syarifah or Sharifah.
• Megat is a title inherited by the male descendant of a Megat. A Megat is a descendant of the Pagaruyung Prince, Megat Terawis who was also the first bendahara of Perak. Megats along with Puteris and Tuns are typically found in Perak."Megat" is also styled by a half blood royal male descendant of a female royal of Pahang.
• Puteri is a title inherited by the female descendant of a Megat.
• 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 distaff line. In upper part of Terengganu, Tun is a title inherited by descendant of now abolished Bendahara of Terengganu,
• Meor is a title inherited by the male issue of a Syarifah and non-Syed father and for female the first letter of the name comes with 'Ma' as in "Ma Mastura". Typically used in Perak and few other states such as Terengganu and Kelantan.
• Wan is a title inherited by the issue of a male Wan. Typically found in 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, but 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 gets the approval of the elders and is considered as matured 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 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 salutations[link]

• Haji (or Hajjah for female) can be used by people who have completed the Hajj. This title is abbreviated as "Hj." or "Hjh.".
• Tuan is equivalent to Master. Due to its colonial overtones, this term is mostly obsolete, although the title can still be prepended 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.
• Encik (abbreviated "En.") is equivalent to Mr and can be used by all men.
• Puan (abbreviated "Pn.") can be used by all married women. It is equivalent to 'Mdm./Madam' not 'Mrs', as in the Malay language, married women do not use the names and/or surnames of their husbands. Married Chinese-Malaysian women are also addressed as "Puan (name)" in Malay and "Mdm. (name)" in English, since they do not change their surnames on marriage.
• Cik is equivalent to Miss and can be used by all unmarried women.

Sabah[link]

Honours and awards for Sabah[link]

The State of Sabah by Act of Parliament established an Order of Chivalry styled Darjah Yang Mulia Kinabalu (The Illustrious Order of Kinabalu). The relevant legislation governing Honours and Awards in Sabah is the State Honours Enactment, 1963 (Sabah No.33 of 1963)(as amended).^[11] The Enactment deals with all aspects including process of nomination, conferral, wearing of medals, promotion in the Order and quotas. Appointments to the Order are made to persons who have rendered 'meritorious service to the State'.^[12] Appointment to the Order is submitted to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (the Governor) by the Chief Minister; every appointment to the Order is by Warrant under the hand of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri.^[13]

Non-citizens may be appointed as honorary members of the Order.^[14] An example of an honorary award is The Honourable Shane Leslie Stone AC PGDK QC former Chief Minister of Australia's Northern Territory, conferred the Pangalima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu in 1998.

Order of Kinabalu[link]

The motto of the Order is 'Sabah Maju Jaya'.^[15] The Yang di-Pertua Negeri (the Governor of Sabah) is the Patron of the Order - Darjah Yang Amat Mulia Kinabalu (The Most Illustrious Order of Kinabalu) - and is deemed a member of the First Grade.^[16] A Chancellor is selected by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri from amongst the members of the First Grade.^[17]

Grades of the Order[link]

There are four Grades of the Order^[18]

1. First Grade - Sri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu (post nominal SPDK)(Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Kinabalu). Recipients may use the appellation and style before their names of Datuk Seri Panglima and wives Datin Seri Panglima.^[19] There is a quota of 150 members excluding honorary members.
2. Second Grade - Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (post nominal PGDK)(Knight Commander of the Order of Kinabalu). Recipients may use the appellation and style before their names of Datuk and wives Datin.^[20] There is a quota of 950 members excluding honorary members.
3. Third Grade - Ahli Setia Darjah Kinabalu (post nominal ASDK)
4. Fourth Grade - Ahli Darjah Kinabalu (post nominal ADK)

Medals of the Order[link]

• Bintang Setia Kinabalu (First Class)
• Bintang Kinabalu (Second Class)
• Certificate of Honour (CH)

The Yang di-Pertua Negeri may on the recommendation of the Chief Minister cancel and annul the appointment of any person to any of the Grades of the Order.^[21]

Related Issues[link]

It was recently brought to attention that not all Datuks have lived exemplary lives and some have even been convicted of crimes. The various sultans have taken steps to ensure the integrity of the institution by means of consultation as well as the revoking of the given titles.

Tun Dr Mahathir mentioned that one of the problems with titles in Malaysia is the numbers 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."

The Raja Muda (Crown Prince) of Perak, Raja Nazrin Shah 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."

In the first government following the independence of Malaya in 1957, five of 15 cabinet Ministers were Datuks. The finance minister 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". The senate held only 14 datuks and parliament held only seven.

The conferral of "Datuk" by the Penang government to 25-year-old squash world champion Nicol David and Olympic silver medalist Lee Chong Wei sparked controversy^[who?] that they are too young to receive the title. The Melaka government also was criticized for awarding the Datuk title to a non-Malaysian Indian actor, Shahrukh Khan, for making movies in the state.

Issues in Selangor[link]

• 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 risk losing the title.
• Four datuks were removed in 2003 by the Sultan of Selangor.

Pahang[link]

• The Sultan of Pahang revoked the titles of two dato's in 2004.

See also[link]

• Datu - Philippine equivalent of Malay term Dato
• Datuk (Minangkabau) - traditional title in Minangkabau community

Notes[link]

This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (February 2009)

External links[link]

• "Special list of federal and state honours", awarded 2002-2009, The Star
• Correct Forms of Address in ^{[dead link]}
• "Selangor Sultan strips trader of title", Aug2007, Malaysian Bar
• "NasionCom founder charged with graft", 20 May 2008, The Star

[{[ms:Darjah kebesaran Melayu]}]

Francis Yeoh is a prominent business personality in Malaysia.

Tan Sri Dato' Francis Yeoh Sock Ping, CBE (Chinese: 楊肅斌; pinyin: Yáng Sùbīn; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Iûⁿ Siok-pin, born August 23, 1954) is a prominent business personality in Malaysia, and the eldest son of Malaysian billionaire Tan Sri Dato' Seri Yeoh Tiong Lay. He obtained a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) Degree in Civil Engineering from Kingston Polytechnic (now known as Kingston University), United Kingdom in 1978.

Francis had his secondary school education at Victoria Institution in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where he was School Captain. He became the Managing Director of YTL Corporation in 1988. Under his stewardship, the YTL Group grew from a single listed entity in 1985 to a force comprising five listed companies, and is now one of the biggest conglomerates in Malaysia ^[1] . Francis is a devout Christian and has often attributed his success in business to the Lord Jesus Christ.^[2]

On January 16, 2003, he was awarded the First Malaysian Ernst & Young Master Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2002 in recognition of his entrepreneurial acumen.

On February 13, 2004, he was conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from his alma mater, Kingston University.

He was awarded BusinessWeek's "25 Stars of Asia 2003" on November 6, 2003 in Hong Kong; and was ranked 21 by Fortune Magazine Asia's 25 Most Powerful Business Personalities on August 9, 2004.

Francis married Rosaline Yeoh in 1982, and they have five children. His siblings reside in Malaysia and are fellow directors of YTL Corporation.

In 2006, he was conferred Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for his philanthropic endeavours.

His wife, Puan Sri Rosaline Yeoh, died on 5 August 2006.

References[link]

• Davies, Nick and Evans, Rob (Apr 24, 2006) For services to the UK: top awards for foreign tycoons, military and the Corrs. The Guardian. Retrieved June 15, 2006.

External links[link]

• [1]

This article contains Chinese text. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Chinese characters.

Tan Sri Dato' Seri (Dr.) Lim Goh Tong 林梧桐
Statue of Lim Goh Tong at Chin Swee Caves Temple
Born	1918 Anxi County, Fujian, Republic of China
Died	October 23, 2007(2007-10-23) (aged 89) Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Occupation	Founder of Genting Highlands, Genting Group and Star Cruises
Net worth	U$4.2billion
Spouse	Lee Kim Hua
Children	6
Website
http://www.rwgenting.com http://www.genting.com http://www.starcruises.com

Tan Sri Dato Seri (Dr.) Lim Goh Tong (Chinese: 林梧桐; pinyin: Lín Wútóng; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Lîm Ngô͘-tông; 1918 – 23 October 2007) was a prominent wealthy Malaysian Chinese businessman. He was renowned for his vision and courage in transforming Genting Highlands from an unexplored hilltop into one of the world's most successful casino resorts. He was once the richest man in Malaysia, Asia with net worth US$4.2billion^[1]

Early life[link]

Born in 1918 in Anxi, a mountainous county in southeastern Fujian province, China, Lim Goh Tong was the fifth child in his family. His father was Lim Shi Quan and his mother Goh Ban. He has an elder brother (Jing Ya), three elder sisters (Lim Zhuang, Lim Bau and Lim See), a younger sister (Lim Mei) and a younger brother (Jing Kun). Lim was born into a rustic environment in a village, during that time, China was in a period of turmoil and unrest after the 1911 revolution, but life was relatively sheltered for Lim in the village. He grew up peacefully and had the opportunity of studying in school. However, disaster struck and his father died when he was 16. Lim was forced to leave school and he and his elder brother had to take over the heavy burden of feeding his family.^[2]

As China's situation was becoming worse, Lim Goh Tong decided to take the plunge in venturing out to Malaysia (known as Malaya at that time) following his cousin, Lim Kheng Chong's footstep. He left China through Xiamen in early February 1937 at the age of 19. He worked for his uncle as a carpenter in the first two years, learning the Malay language in the meantime. After gaining experience he went on to become a building sub-contractor and completed his first job of building a two-storey school. He returned to Anxi in 1940, but went back to Malaya the next year amidst a deteriorating war environment.^[2]

Career and business[link]

The Japanese invaded Malaya in 1942 and caused Lim to have a few near-death experiences. During the early Japanese Occupation, he earned a living as a vegetable farmer, but decided to switch to petty trading for a better living. Later on Lim ventured into scrap-metal and hardware trading. When the Japanese Occupation ended, there was an urgent demand for heavy machinery for resumed operations in mines and rubber plantations. Lim seized the opportunity and engaged in second-hand machinery trading, making his first fortune.^[3]

From used machinery trading, Lim strayed into iron mining, joining as a partner in an iron mining company which couldn't settle the outstanding payment of two bulldozers with him. This proved to be a successful venture, and he later went on to form a joint-venture company which was one of the first Chinese tin companies to utilize dredges.^[4]

While dealing in heavy machinery, Lim accumulated a wide range of reconditioned machines as well as a substantial amount of cash to move into construction and related industries. In the name of his family construction company, Kien Huat Private Limited, Lim began taking on several contracting jobs with help and guidance from his uncles. Kien Huat won accolades and became recognized as one of the leading construction companies, building the Ayer Itam Dam^[5] and the Kemubu Irrigation Scheme.^[6]

Developing Genting Resort[link]

Main article: Genting Highlands
Genting Group's involvement in the property sector can be traced from the initial primary objective of holding land-based assets for long term appreciation and development potential to the current strategic move to develop and market the Group's landed properties mainly held in the plantation subsidiary, by Asiatic Land Development Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Asiatic Development Berhad - which is 54.8% owned by Genting Berhad.

The Genting Highlands Theme Park

The idea of building a hilltop resort was first conceived when Lim Goh Tong was having a dinner in the Cameron Highlands. As he was enjoying the soothing cool breeze of the Cameron Highlands, an idea struck him that as the standard of living rose steadily in Malaysia, more and more people would visit mountain resorts for relaxation and recreation, but Cameron Highlands was too far away from the capital city Kuala Lumpur, therefore building a mountain resort nearer to Kuala Lumpur would have great business potential.^[7]

After doing some research, Lim found Gunung (mountain in Malay) Ulu Kali at a place called Genting Sempah to be an ideal location for his plan. He formed an expedition and explored the place, collecting a wealth of data on the topography, drainage, soil conditions and other relevant aspects of the region, this proved to be very useful in drawing up plans for developing the resort.^[7]

Upon conceiving this idea, many naysayers were skeptical of Lim turning a wilderness into a tourist resort. Most thought it was really risky and reckoned Lim who was financially comfortable to be foolish to invest heavily in money and time to develop Genting, but Lim brushed off all these negativities and went ahead firmly with his plan.^[7]

After getting approvals from the Federal and State governments, Lim began the project in the face of a colossal task. Among the problems were building the access road towards the hilltop, water and electricity supplies, sewerage system and fire safety. Lim managed to build the access road towards the summit in three years when it was estimated to take fifteen years. Several sources of water in the mountain were identified, water supply was secured by building water-collection stations and water filtration plants with treated water stored in reservoirs. Electricity is supplied through a central electricity generation system with 12 big generators.^[7][8]

During the construction, Lim survived six close brushes with death. Meanwhile, Lim had to administer another major project in Kelantan, the Kemubu Irrigation Scheme at the same time. This stretched his physical endurance to the limits as he had to shuttle between Kuala Lumpur and Kelantan and he worked seven days a week.^[7]

During the Genting project, Lim spent all he had without earning any income. He sold an 810-hectare rubber estate to raise RM2.5 million. In addition, he invested all the money he had made from iron mining, sub-contracting and hardware businesses. The project was a heavy drain on Lim's finances. When asked to invest in this project, Lim's friends turned him down and counselled him to drop the entire scheme instead.^[7]

Genting was granted the only casino licence after Tunku Abdul Rahman, the prime minister of Malaysia then, visited Genting Highlands and commended Lim's effort to develop a resort contributing to Malaysia's tourism industry without government help.^[7]

Lim managed to obtain a pioneer status for Genting Highlands and tax incentives despite its resort development not qualifying for it. He did so by convincing the government that tax incentives in the early stage of development of Genting Highlands were not only vital for them but also profitable to the government later on.^[7]

The whole Genting project was completed in January 1971, but prior to officially commencing business, Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding areas were hit by the worst rainstorms in a century, the road to Genting was closed by landslides at 180 locations, the damaged sections took four months to repair. Genting opened its door for business on 8 May 1971.^[7]

In the next 30 years, Lim continued to develop and expand Genting Highlands beyond its original idea of a hotel with basic tourist facilities. Among the projects were the construction of more hotels, indoor and outdoor theme parks, and a convention centre. A new road was built to shorten the journey to Genting from the northern states, and RM920 million was invested to widen a 10 km stretch of the access road to reduce congestion. Another RM928 million was spent on constructing a cable car system to provide visitors with an alternative mode of transportation.^[8]

In 1993, at the suggestion of Tun Mahathir, the prime minister of Malaysia then, a township was developed on an 81-hectare piece of land around the site of the Genting Skyway cable car station. It was named Gohtong Jaya after Lim as a token of remembrance for his efforts in the development of Genting Highlands.^[8][9]

As of now, Genting Highlands is one of the most successful Casino resorts in the world and is one of the primary tourist attractions in Malaysia. Lim's company, Genting Group operates Genting Highlands and has diversified into many other industries such as plantations, property, paper, power generation, oil and gas exploration and cruise boat industries. In the process new company brands were created that have become distinctive names in their respective fields, namely Asiatic, Genting Sanyen (paper manufacturing) and Star Cruises.^[10]

On 31 December 2003, Lim handed his chairmanship of Genting Group over to his son, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay.^[11]

Personal life[link]

Lim Goh Tong was married to Lee Kim Hua, together they had six children and nineteen grandchildren.^[12] The six children are Lim Siew Lay, Siew Lian, Siew Kim, Tee Keong, Kok Thay and Chee Wah.^[13]

Throughout his life Lim has had a few medical crises, among them were a malignant tumour and cardiovascular problems, which he pulled through after several surgeries.^[14]

Lim wrote his autobiography "My Story - Lim Goh Tong" and it was published in 2004. In the book he wrote about his early life, how he started off with nothing to building a world-class casino resort through hard work and perseverance confounding skeptics, and the people he acknowledges.

Achievement and awards[link]

Lim Goh Tong had won many awards together with his company Genting Group for his entrepreneurship and his contribution, among them were:

• Malaysian Entrepreneurs Award 1985
• Manager of the Year Award 1986
• Business Achiever of the Year Award1994
• Number 1 ranking of 10 Malaysian Leading Companies 1999
• The Best Employer Award 1996^[15]

He was conferred the title "Tan Sri" by the government of Malaysia on 6 June 1979 in recognition to the contribution he has made to the country.^[15]

In 1978 Lim Goh Tong set up Yayasan Lim, a family foundation that donates regularly to educational and medical institutions, old folk's homes, various organisations for the physically handicapped and other charitable causes.^[15]

Death[link]

Lim Goh Tong died on 23 October 2007, at Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC). He is survived by his wife Puan Sri Lee Kim Hua, and their six children and 19 grandchildren.^[16] His body was buried at Gohtong Memorial Park at Gohtong Jaya on Monday 29 October 2007.

• The Black Eyed Peas who were performing on the night of October 26 in Genting Arena of Stars paid tribute to Lim Goh Tong during their concert. “A man died recently who was responsible for the place where we are today. I’d like to ask for a moment of silence to honour his life and legacy,” will.i.am said in his tribute.

More than 20,000 people, including royalty, Asia’s rich and famous, politicians, friends, business allies and members of the public paid tribute to Goh Tong in their own ways. They either attended the wake, sent wreaths or penned messages of sympathy.

Among those who paid their respect to Lim were

• Dato' Seri Ong Ka Ting (then Chairman of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA)

• Dato' Seri Abdullah bin Haji Ahmad Badawi (former Prime Minister of Malaysia)

• Dato' Seri Najib Tun Razak (former Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of Malaysia; current Prime Minister of Malaysia)

• Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali (Former First Lady of Malaysia, representing her husband Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad)

• Tan Sri Dr Saleha Mohd Ali

• Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir (Daughter of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali)

• Tengku Puan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Sultan Iskandar

• Genting Group and Resorts World Bhd deputy chairman Tun Hanif Omar and his wife Toh Puan Hamidah Abdul Hamid

• CIMB Bhd Group chief executive Datuk Nazir Razak

• YTL group executive chairman Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay and his wife Puan Sri Tan Kai Yong

• HSBC Asia chairman Vincent Cheng

• HSBC Malaysia CEO Irene Dorner

• Puan Sri Christine Khir Johari

• Tun Musa Hitam

• Foxwoods Resort Casino Tribal Chairman Michael Thomas

More than 1000 wreaths received from all over the world are being displayed 300m along the entrance of Gohtong Villa. Among the many Corporate entities sent wreaths and condolences included Las Vegas Caesars Palace, Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau, Stanley Ho, and the Government of Fujian province where Lim was born. Asia’s second richest man, Li Ka Shing(He is now first), sent a personal condolence note to the bereaved family, offering words that perhaps best captured the essence of who Goh Tong was.

Words of farewell[link]

“From harvesting lettuce and maple syrup, we have now become the most profitable casino in the world. Before Lim, we only knew poverty. It was with his faith and trust that we are what we are now.” - Michael Thomas, chairman of the Native American Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

“He was a . He also understood that he needed to repay society after benefiting from it.” - Dr Tan Tat Chin, a member of the Tung Shin Hospital Board of Directors.

“He is a source of inspiration and we salute his accomplishment. He will continue to live in the heart of those who have been touched by him.” - Tan Sri Dr Ng Lay Swee, president and chief executive officer of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman.^[17]

See also[link]

• Genting Highlands
• Genting Group
• List of billionaires

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official Genting Website
• Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong Online Memorial Hall

v t e Pahang Darul Makmur Districts Bera Bentong Cameron Highlands Jerantut Kuantan Lipis Maran Pekan Raub Rompin Temerloh Towns Bandar Bera Bandar Pusat Jengka Bandar Muadzam Shah Bandar Tun Abdul Razak Batu Hitam Batu Talam Belimbing Benta Bentong Beserah Brinchang Bukit Tinggi Ceruk Paluh Chendor Chenor Cheroh Chini Lake Fraser's Hill Gambang Gebeng Genting Highlands Genting Sempah Jerantut Karak Kemayan Kerdau Ketari Kota Iskandar Kota Shahbandar Kuala Lipis Kuala Pahang Kuala Rompin Kuala Tembeling Kuantan (capital) Lanchang Lentang Lubuk Paku Lurah Bilut Maran Mengkarak Mengkuang Mentakab Merapoh Nenasi Paloh Hinai Pekan Penor Raub Rompin Sebertak Sempalit Sungai Lembing Sungai Ruan Tanah Rata Tanjung Lumpur Tanjung Sepat Teluk Cempedak Temerloh Teriang Tringkap Islands Pulau Tioman Villages Cherating FELDA Mempaga FELDA New Zealand Janda Baik Kampung Awah Sri Jaya FELDA Kota Gelanggi 2 Townships Bandar Baru Chendor Bandar Damansara Kuantan Bandar Indera Mahkota Bandar MEC Bandar Putra Gohtong Jaya Special Zones East Coast Economic Region

v t e East Coast Economic Region (ECER) ECER Kelantan Gua Musang • Kota Bharu • Pengkalan Chepa • Rantau Panjang • Second East-West Highway • Sultan Ismail Petra Airport • Taman Negara • University of Malaysia Kelantan ECER Terengganu Bandar Al-Muktafi Billah Shah • Bandar Chenih Bahru • Bandar Ketengah Jaya • Islamic Heritage Park • Kenyir Lake • Kuala Terengganu • Paka • Perhentian Islands • Rantau Abang • Redang Island • Kerteh • Kemaman • East Coast Expressway • Second East-West Highway • Sultan Mahmud Airport • University of Malaysia Terengganu • Taman Negara ECER Pahang Bandar Indera Mahkota • Bandar Muadzam Shah • Bandar Pusat Jengka • Bandar Tun Abdul Razak • Bera Lake • Chini Lake • Cherating • East Coast Expressway • Gambang • Gebeng • Genting Highlands • Jerantut • Kuantan • Kuantan Port • Pekan • Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Airport • Tioman Island • University of Malaysia Pahang • Taman Negara ECER Johor Endau • Mersing • Sibu Island

Yang Amat Berhormat Tan Sri Dato' Seri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim MP, ADUN, BEc (UM) MBA (Queensland)
Menteri Besar of Selangor
Incumbent
Assumed office 13 March 2008
Monarch	Sharafuddin Idris Shah
Preceded by	Mohamed Khir bin Toyo
Member of the Malaysian Parliament for Bandar Tun Razak
Incumbent
Assumed office 8 March 2008
Preceded by	Tan Chai Ho
Majority	2,515
Member of the Selangor State Assembly for Ijok
Incumbent
Assumed office 8 March 2008
Preceded by	K. Parthiban
Majority	1,920
Personal details
Born	(1946-12-14) 14 December 1946 (age 65) Jeram, Selangor, Malaysia
Nationality	Malaysian
Political party	Parti Keadilan Rakyat of Pakatan Rakyat
Other political affiliations	United Malays National Organisation (1979-1998)
Spouse(s)	Puan Sri Salbiah Tunut
Alma mater	University of Malaya University of Queensland
Occupation	Lecturer Chief Executive Officer
Religion	Islam
Website	http://mb.selangorku.com/

Tan Sri Dato' Seri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim is the 14th and current chief minister (Menteri Besar) of the state of Selangor, in Malaysia. He is a former corporate figure of Malay descent and the current Treasurer-General of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR, or People's Justice Party). He was born in the village of Kampung Jalan Raja Abdullah in Kuala Selangor district, Selangor. He graduated from the University of Malaya with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and later obtained an MBA from the University of Queensland.^[1]

Khalid began his career as a university lecturer. Later, he entered the corporate world and held the position of CEO from 1979 to 1994 in the government-controlled fund management firm Pemodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB).^[1] In 1981, he became famous for leading the "dawn raid" on the London Stock Exchange, which resulted in PNB gaining a 51% share in British plantation concern Guthrie in less than two hours. He later became the CEO of the Malaysianized Guthrie, now known as Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd, from 1995 to 2003.^[1]

Political career[link]

He later left the corporate scene and entered politics, joining the opposition party PKR. He was the opposition candidate in the 2007 Ijok by-election for the Selangor State Legislative Assembly, contesting against K. Parthiban of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), a component party of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN).^[2] In the Malaysian General Election 2008, he contested for the Parliamentary and State Assembly seat for P124 Bandar Tun Razak and N11 Ijok where he won both seats. He was appointed as the new Menteri Besar (State Premier) of Selangor and was officially sworn in on March 13, 2008 at Istana Bukit Kayangan.^[3] He is also the first person not part of the Barisan Nasional ruling coalition to be appointed as Menteri Besar of Selangor. All previous thirteen Menteri Besar were from United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), a major component party of BN.

Organizational positions[link]

Despite being an opposition party member, he retains his positions in various quasi-government organizations due to his broad experience and integrity in business and industry. Among his notable positions include:^[4]

• Director, SIRIM Bhd [1]
• Adviser, Islamic Development Bank
• Fellow, Institute for Strategic and International Studies
• Member, National Productivity Council

Honours and awards[link]

• International Alumnus of the Year 2002, University of Queensland, Australia
• Honorary member, Business Advisory Council to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

References[link]