Jackie Chan Is Now A Datuk... But Malaysians Are Not Sure Why
The wellknown Hong Kong actor was bestowed 'datukship' in conjunction with Federal Territory Day.
By Sadho Ram — 01 Feb 2015, 03:29 PM — Updated almost 10 years ago
Hong Kong actor, director and producer Jackie Chan now has another title to add to his name – Datuk – following Malaysia's decision to confer him with Panglima Mahkota Wilayah in conjunction with Federal Territories Day 1 February
Datuk Jackie Chan looking segak in that songkok! pic.twitter.com/n2AAwLxHAQ
— Khairy Jamaluddin (@Khairykj) February 1, 2015
The International movie star is among the 71 recipients who were conferred the Panglima Mahkota Wilayah, carrying the title Datuk. Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Alhaj Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah conferred the award and medals at Istana Negara.
Jackie has had a prominent spot not only in Asia, but the world over, rightly deserving of his own stars on the Hong Kong Avenue of Stars and the Hollywood Walk of Fame
The actor not only has given many contributions to the film industry, he has also been involved in many entrepreneurship and philanthropy projects.
The title Datuk has two meanings: formal and informal
The informal ones holds that Datuk is equivalent to one's "grandfather" or refers to a male elder. Other function is a formal honorific style both in traditional and stately titles. Foreigners may receive the award in a supernumerary and honorary capacity and use the title locally.
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan is also a Datuk. SRK is the first Indian movie star to be conferred the royal Malaysian title.
2008 - @iamsrk Honured with #Datuk Honour from Malacca state (Malaysia) Governor Mohammad Khalil Yaakob in Malacca. pic.twitter.com/ZeEX5lNxY7
— Rizwan Khan (@iamrizkhan8970) January 10, 2015
While the medal and award presentation ceremony was initiated in 2008 in honour of individuals who had contributed towards the development of the federal territory, many Malaysians online are asking what are Jackie Chan's contributions to our nation
@staronline This just shows how meaningless these titles are. What are his contributions to our nation?
— Shukur Hasan (@shukur_hasan) February 1, 2015
“@staronline: He's now Datuk Jackie Chan http://t.co/IKPq3d4QJb pic.twitter.com/hisScSK3k1” as a Msian he has done so much for this country. NOT
— suraiya abdul samad (@suraiyaabdsamad) February 1, 2015
@staronline i don understan, i don understan..why he's datuk ?
— L (@Lyndzeinova) February 1, 2015
@CherylxLyrehc ikr he's not even msian or anything why even lol
— qiany (@yvonnetqy) February 1, 2015
Commenting on the Facebook post of the Star's article, many expressed shock and questioned what has he done for Malaysia:
On a lighter note, we think this tweets sums up the question:
Dont ask what Jackie Chan has contributed to Malaysia; ask what Malaysia has contributed to Jackie Chan. #ModernSaying
— John Does Jr. (@LOLsuren) February 1, 2015
What do you think about Jackie Chan being made a Datuk? Do you think he deserves the title? Tweet us your views using #datukchan.
Latuk Chan ... pic.twitter.com/83YlgVnT2p
— The Kenn Leandre (@kennleandre) February 1, 2015