What Agong S Decision Says About Our Values

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This year’s federal honours ceremony at Istana Negara did not meet expectations. It corrected them.
There was no spectacle, no inflated list of names. Just one clear message from His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar: Honours are not given to those who seek them. They are given to those who serve.
In a country where the value of a title has often been questioned, this year’s list stood apart. It was smaller, quieter, and most importantly, earned.
His Majesty’s words were brief but deliberate: “This award must be appreciated.” That remark carried weight because the recipients had earned the trust of the nation. There was no noise, no speculation, no signs of political favour. Only merit.
ADSFor too long, we have watched the honours system drift from its purpose. What once marked a lifetime of contribution became, in some cases, a reward for proximity to power. A title once rare became routine. Respect turned into doubt.
This year changed that.
Sultan Ibrahim personally reviewed each recommendation. His process echoed the standards of his late father, Sultan Iskandar, who was known to ask two questions: How old is the nominee, and how long have they served? These were not ceremonial filters. They were tests of contribution and character.
The result was a ceremony defined not by protocol, but by integrity.
Title is a public trust
To those recognised, the honour carries responsibility. A title is no longer just an accolade. It is a public trust. Those who carry it are now expected to live up to it.
To those not included, the message is just as clear. Recognition is not a reward for status or patience. It is the outcome of service, not the product of ambition.
For the rakyat, the message was unambiguous. National honours are no longer granted through influence or persistence. They are given to those who contribute meaningfully. That kind of clarity matters more than ceremony.
This shift did not happen in isolation. It reflects a broader change in the culture of governance. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the Madani government, reforms long spoken of are beginning to take shape.
Accountability, transparency, and merit are finding their way back into national life.
The ceremony was not loud. But it was right. - Mkini
MAHATHIR MOHD RAIS is a former Federal Territories Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional secretary.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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