President Rodrigo Duterte Is Officially A Datuk In Malaysia
The Philippines president received the datukship yesterday, 10 July.
By Jia Vern Tham — 11 Jul 2019, 01:48 PM
Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte was conferred with a datukship by the Sultan of Johor yesterday, 10 July
Malay Mail reported that the ceremony took place at the Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines yesterday.
Duterte was conferred the Darjah Sultan Ibrahim Johor Yang Amat Disanjungi Pangkat Pertama Dato' Sri Mulia Sultan Ibrahim Johor (SMIJ) award, which carries the "Datuk" title.
Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar was personally invited by Duterte to visit the Philippines
The Johor Sultan had arrived at the Palace at around 5pm yesterday and signed the official Visitors Book.
According to Malaysiakini, the leaders engaged in a closed-door meeting for nearly an hour and had a photography session.
Sultan Ibrahim and his delegation were then thrown a banquet dinner before receiving a hand-painted portrait of the Johor ruler from Duterte.
Sultan Ibrahim was also conferred with the Order of Sikatuna by the Philippines president
The Order of Sikatuna, which carries the "Datu" title, is a diplomatic merit national order of the Philippines, reported Malaysiakini.
Malay Mail reported that the Order is conferred upon individuals who have provided exceptional services to the country, as well as diplomats, officials, and nationals of foreign states who gave conspicuous services in developing and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines.
Just two weeks ago, Duterte reportedly threatened his critics with prison if there is an attempt to impeach him
"Me? Will be impeached? I will jail them all," the Philippines president said in response to calls of impeachment by a top judge and a former foreign minister, reported Malay Mail on 28 June.
"I am challenging you to do it. You really want to force my hand into it? Okay, you sons of b***hes," Duterte threatened.