By Colly Wong @ datukdato.com
Historically, Penang is one of two states, the other being Melaka, who do not have a Sultan as their official Head of State. It is the Governorship that has the highest status with the honorific title of Tuan Yang Terutama (TYT), the “First Sir” or the “Most Eminent.” In all levels of the nation, all titles are conferred by Governors or Sultans on the federal front, while the King “His Majesty” or Yang-di Pertuan Agong grants to all worthy commoners.
All three, Sultans, Governors and the Yang-di Pertuan Agong, have the supreme right both to bestow and to withdraw these titles. They are guided by Malay tradition and the citizens of eminence from other nations. Any incidence of treason, conspiracy, disgrace, insult to the State will disqualify an individual from a title previously bestowed.
It’s also important to note that the basis of granting Datukships and other titles, since the 1957 independence, has been “citizenship” instead of “ethnicity.” This is a clear demonstration of Malaysia’s integrationist and assimilative policy regarding Malaysian titles. This way, all indigenous peoples, Indians, and the Chinese all fall under the “Malay Statehood” umbrella in terms of rights and privileges. Being granted titles both symbolically and ritually incorporates them to the “Malay Court” as loyal subjects of the nation.
For the Malaysian people, the title “Dato’” derives its importance from its original meaning being a “grandfather (Dato’)” or a “grandmother (nenek, tok),” which gives it the idea of “eldership” or having “respect worthy of an elder.” Age ushers in rank and given tremendous significance in the Malay society and other Asian countries. To become part of the aged people in the community is a status bearing high honour and privilege. In fact, with the Chinese, eldership is considered a “rite of passage,” while with the Indians, respected elders are seen as people with godly qualities.
Any eligible individual bestowed the title of Dato is expected to be loyal to the State and contribute to its success and productivity, part of the responsibility of somebody with such a high status and importance in the community. Some ideals espoused for title holders are “Kehalusan Bahasa” or refinement of speech, “Sopan-Santun” or orderly conduct and “Budi-Bahasa” or cultured language and good deeds. All Dato’s are highly encouraged to hold themselves to a high regard in terms of body language, oration and a strict dress code that is worthy of the title, especially during special events like investitures and other official functions. Traditionally, Dato’s are expected to have blameless speech and decorum and display grace and generosity every time and everywhere. It’s a high calling and a tall order that comes with their great service to the nation and by virtue of their seniority. It is meant to set the extraordinary standard for the younger generation.
The Majlis Dato’ Dato’ Negeri Pulau Pinang was a council founded out of this desire to foster goodwill and create fellowship and camaraderie amongst Dato’s. These are prominent individuals conferred with Orders of Chivalry (Darjah Kebesaran) such as the Darjah Utama Pangkuan Negeri (DUPN), Darjah Panglima Pangkuan Negeri (DPPN), Darjah Gemilang Pangkuan Negeri (DGPN), Darjah Yang Mulia Pangkuan Negeri (DMPN), and Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN) by the Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertuan Negeri Pulau Pinang.
The Majlis Dato’ Dato’ Negeri Pulau Pinang was established in 1987 and its Patron is the Yang di-Pertuan Negeri Pulau Pinang. The highest authority behind all the council’s decisions is the General Meeting, with a Management Council elected biennially to conduct all the affairs of the Majlis. It consists of the President, Deputy President, 3 Vice Presidents, an Immediate Past President, the Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer and 7 Committee members. It also appoints a Company Secretary and an Accounting Firm to act as Executive Secretaries and Treasurers of the Majlis.
The Majlis holds activities and various events and is the official operator of the Tabung Kebajikan Majlis Dato’ Dato’ Negeri Pulau Pinang, a tax-exempt charitable fund to extend help to the needy across the nation and across time.
The Majlis Dato’s Dato’ Negeri Pulau Pinang’s main objectives include: 1) promoting goodwill and fellowship, a closer relationship and companionship amongst its members, 2) to consider, determine, and maintain the status quo of members carrying the Dato’ title of the Penang State, 3) to support and assist wherever necessary the achievement the aims and aspirations of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri and the Government of the State of Penang, 4) to encourage its members to extend their expertise, vast experience, and world of knowledge for the betterment of the Council and the community as a whole, 5) to obtain concession and privileges wherever possible from both the private and public agencies, and 6) to set up a fund by the name of “Tabung Derma Kebajikan Majlis Dato’ Dato’ Negeri Pulau Pinang.”
Apart from the prestige and status carried by the official members of the Council, they also enjoy such perks as membership cards, trademark registered car badges, the authorized Majlis Dato’ uniform with its epaulette and gorget, all proprietary to the Majlis.
If you are eligible to apply as a member of this esteemed organization, or know of anyone who is a likely candidate, please feel free to endorse by visiting the website of The Majlis Dato’ Dato’ Negeri Pulau Pinang (www.datopenang.org), browse through the wealth of information provided, and fill out an application.
As the old proverb concerning Dato’s goes, “Follow the way of the rice sheaf, the heavier it is, the more it bends (Ikut resmi padi, makin berisi semakin tunduk).” If you’re a Dato’, this organization is for you.
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