“Our culture has been influenced by the rule of the royalty, where we look up to people of a higher social class and so some people want others to look up to them too.
“They buy fake titles in order to be included in this elite ‘circle’ and be recognised by others,” she told FMT, when asked why certain individuals are willing to fork out a lot of money for a title.
Azlina’s comments were in response to a report on a raid on an investiture ceremony in Alor Setar, carried out by Kedah police on Thursday, where 95 people were awarded fake titles and medals.
A “Datuk” in his 50s was arrested over his role in the scam, that was said to be done using the name of a royal family member.
It was reported that the titles scam victims were required to bank in RM5,000 to a volunteer association who organised the ceremony.
After paying the money, the victims were to be conferred the “Ahli Kehormat Pingat Setia Raja Negara” (PSRN) medal.
Azlina believes there is no honour in buying titles as the public will not look up to such people.
“I do not think anyone can ‘buy’ recognition from the people,” she said.
However, MCA public services and complaints bureau chief Michael Chong said it was greed that drives people to purchase fake titles.
“They think with their ‘Datuk’ titles, they can easily get business opportunities and also attract others to approach them,” he said, adding the general public is easily attracted to those with “Datuk” in front of their name.
Chong lamented that the victims and alleged perpetrators involved in selling fake titles are ignorant of the recent law that would penalise fake titles sellers as well as buyers.
The Offences Relating to the Awards Act was passed by Parliament last year and those found guilty of selling fake titles will be fined up to RM10,000 or face a three-year jail term. Anyone found guilty of buying fake titles also faces a jail term of up to three years.