Negeri Sembilan, one of Malaysia’s 13 states, confirmed today that former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s Darjah Seri Utama Negeri Sembilan (SPNS) award, which also carries the title Dato’ Seri Utama, had been revoked. His wife, Rosmah Mansor, also had her title of Dato’ Seri taken away.
An official told media that the decision was made earlier today after a special awards, titles, and honors committee meeting was called.
Najib was bestowed the title back in 2005, while his wife was given hers in 2006. However, don’t grab your Colt45 just yet to pour one out for our former leader’s fall from grace — both he and Rosmah still have several other Datuk Seri titles to their respective names from many of the country’s other states.
State Registrar of Awards, Dr Razali Ab Malik added that the decision was made to “safeguard the honor and dignity of the Negeri Sembilan royal institution.”
Ouch. Seems Negeri Sembilan knows box office poison when they see it.
Titles may be the last thing from the couple’s mind this afternoon: Yesterday, Najib had six fresh charges to his name read out in court, while Rosmah and their two sons spent their morning visiting the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Prevention Unit to answer questions. This was Rosmah’s first brush with police questioning; earlier this month she spent 13 hours answering questions at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission headquarters.
