Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Azalina Othman Said said the law would be comprehensive, detailing actions to be taken against those who illegally confer, accept or use such awards.

“A draft bill was presented at the pre-council meeting of the Conference of Rulers on Feb 16 and will be presented again to the rulers for their approval before being brought to Parliament,” she said, responding to Ahmad Fauzi Zahari (BN-Setiawangsa).

Ahmad Fauzi wanted to know about the action to be taken against individuals involved in conferring dubious awards.

Azalina said the draft must be thoroughly scrutinised, particularly on the nature of the offence and punishment to be imposed before being finalised.

“In the meantime, we want to warn the public not to get involved in any of the illegal activities such as awarding, receiving and using dubious titles.

“If they are doubtful about any award or title, they can refer to the Ceremonial and International Conference Secretariat Division of the Prime Minister’s Department,” she said.

To a supplementary question from Takiyuddin Hassan (PAS-Kota Bharu), Azalina said only national and federal territory awards conferred by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and state awards conferred by the respective Sultans or Yang di-Pertua Negeri or heads of state are recognised by the Malaysian government.

She said an award could be withdrawn at the discretion and evaluation of its giver if the recipient had committed an offence or had been imprisoned.

On the award criteria, she said that was based on an individual’s outstanding contributions to the country.

Azalina said offenders could be punished under Section 416 and 419 of the Penal Code for cheating and impersonation.

– BERNAMA