Kuala lumpur: The Council of Justice of Peace (JP) Selangor, together with Majlis Datuk Dato' Malaysia (MDDM) and Majlis Datuk Persekutuan Malaysia (MDPM), have agreed to strengthen strategic collaboration to uphold public integrity and curb the misuse of honorific titles.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the historic milestone was reached during a recent joint dialogue session involving the three councils, marking a significant step forward in inter-council cooperation and coordinated action in the national interest.
The meeting was chaired by Council of JP Selangor president Datuk Ng Seong Liong and co-led by MDDM president Datuk Samson Maman and MDPM deputy president Datuk Seri Irmohizam Ibrahim, with MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong also in attendance.
In a statement, the Council of JP Selangor said the dialogue reflected a collective commitment for sustained collaboration to uphold integrity, protect public trust and safeguard the dignity of legitimately conferred titles.
The councils have observed individuals falsely or without authorization claiming honorific titles such as Dato', Datuk, Dato' Seri, Datuk Seri, JP, or even Tan Sri. Many of these individuals pose for photographs with public figures and post such images on social media to create a false impression of legitimacy.
Such tactics have been used to deceive investors and gain undue trust for personal or financial advantage. Some cases involve the installation of blue strobe lights on vehicles, falsely portraying authority linked to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) or royalty-related escorts.
Other identified cases involve the use of fake or unauthorized uniforms, logos, emblems, or insignia, as well as false claims of professional or association status without valid accreditation. These actions undermine public confidence and damage the integrity of genuine titleholders.
The three councils agreed to collaborate on initiatives to combat fake and unauthorized titles, address scams and fraud, and curb injustice through abusive or malicious legal actions. They plan to enhance verification systems, information-sharing, and public awareness, as well as strengthen cooperation with authorities and the public.
Chong noted that he has been handling complaints related to fake and unrecognized 'Dato' titles since 2000, while Samson mentioned more than 36 police reports have been lodged by MDDM since 2023.
The Council of JP Selangor urged the public to exercise due diligence by verifying claims through recognized channels and reporting suspected abuses to relevant authorities. The meeting lays the foundation for structured and coordinated action in the interest of justice, transparency, and public trust.