A Federal Territories Ministry source said the awards will be given at a later date as the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong – who usually confers the awards – has just been sworn in.

The Sultan of Pahang, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, was proclaimed the Agong at Istana Negara yesterday.

“We will confirm the date soon,” the source told FMT.

In October last year, Federal Territories Minister Khalid Samad said his ministry will not recommend politicians for the FT awards.

He said the awards will be given to those who truly serve the community, such as educators, volunteers involved in humanitarian work and those who have brought fame to the country in the international arena.

This is because political leaders still have plenty of time to prove themselves in serving the community before they are selected for honours.

A total of 370 individuals received awards and medals in conjunction with Federal Territories Day last year.