GOVERNANCE experts are calling for Malaysia to strengthen and standardise its framework for suspending and revoking honorary titles, particularly in cases involving serious criminal offences such as corruption, amid concerns over the credibility of the honours system.
Malaysian Integrity and Governance Society president Datuk Seri Dr Akhbar Satar said clearer mechanisms are essential to safeguard institutional integrity and maintain public confidence, especially when title holders are implicated in wrongdoing.
He stressed that any revocation should only take place after due legal process has been completed.
"There should also be consensus and the consent of the Malay rulers so that there is better standardisation and coordination," he told New Straits Times.
Akhbar added that individuals found guilty of crimes, particularly those involving corruption or breaches of integrity, should have their titles revoked to protect the reputation of the institutions that conferred them, but only after all appeals have been exhausted in keeping with the principle of innocent until proven guilty.
Transparency International Malaysia president Raymon Ram echoed these concerns, warning that controversies involving title holders could erode the perceived value of such honours.
He said when recipients are implicated in serious criminal offences, particularly corruption or conduct that undermines integrity, it can affect not only the individual but also public perception of the honours system as a whole.
"In practice, nomination procedures often involve background screening and integrity checks.
"However, the recurring emergence of controversies involving title holders suggests there may be gaps in consistency, transparency and risk management across jurisdictions," he said.
Raymon called for a more structured and transparent approach, including clearer public understanding of how nominations are made and stronger accountability mechanisms after titles have been conferred.
He said any improved framework should distinguish between temporary suspension and permanent revocation.
"Suspension can serve as a precautionary measure when a title holder faces serious criminal charges, ensuring that the integrity of the honours system is preserved while legal proceedings take their course.
"Revocation, on the other hand, may be considered following a conviction or other formally established findings that are incompatible with the values associated with the honour.
"Such an approach will help ensure that decisions are guided by clear principles rather than ad hoc responses to public pressure.
"More importantly, consistent guidelines will protect honourable recipients whose contributions genuinely merit recognition," New Straits Times reported him saying.
He emphasised that any reforms must remain within Malaysia’s constitutional framework, where the conferment of honours rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the federal level and with state rulers or Yang di-Pertua Negeri at the state level.
"The conferment of honours is the prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the federal level and of the respective rulers or Yang di-Pertua Negeri at the state level. As such, reforms should focus on strengthening administrative processes rather than altering the constitutional authority behind the honours system," he said.
Raymon added that transparency and accountability could be enhanced through practical measures such as clearer nomination criteria, consistent integrity screening and structured review mechanisms based on findings from courts or relevant authorities.
He also stressed the importance of procedural fairness in any review process.
"The objective is not to politicise the honours system, but to reinforce its credibility.
"By strengthening governance around nominations, reviews and possible revocations, the honours framework can continue to command public respect while remaining fully aligned with constitutional prerogatives and the principles of due process," he said. - March 26, 2026
