Kelantan Palace Has Revoked The 'Darjah Kerabat Al-Yunusi' Title Awarded To Dr M
The reason for the revocation of the title is not known.
By Sadho Ram — 09 Feb 2018, 01:47 PM
Dr Mahathir Mohamad has been stripped off the 'Darjah Kerabat Al-Yunusi' title that was awarded to him in 2002 by then Sultan Ismail Petra of Kelantan for his "immense contribution to the country"
According to reports, Dr Mahathir received a letter from the Kelantan Palace on Tuesday requesting that he return the title
NST Online reported that the former prime minister received the letter at his residence on 6 February and is in the process of returning the award to Kelantan.
However, the reason for the revocation of the title, which was only given to 25 recipients and mainly to royalties, is not known.
The 'Darjah Kerabat Al-Yunusi' is the highest award in the state
According to one Kelantan government official., the revocation of Dr Mahathir's title is seen as a rejection of Pakatan Harapan by the Kelantan Palace.
However, netizens on Facebook rallied behind the elderly statesman in a massive show of support and has attacked the Royals of the Kelantan state.
"Millions of Malaysians are behind you. TUN M, it’s ok pingat (medals) all no use. Most important you have millions of Malaysians behind you. God Bless you always," one commentator posted on Facebook following the news of the revocation.
While it's no secret that relations between the former prime minister and the royal houses have never been perfect, the revocation of the title right on the foothills of the 14 General Elections sends a strong signal to the public as to whom the Kelantan Palace stands with
Last December, Dr Mahathir had also returned his awards received between 1978 and 2003 to the Selangor palace after he was criticised by the Selangor Ruler, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, over remarks he made about "Bugis pirates".
