Malaysia honours Bollywood star amid outcry...

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan will now flaunt the prefix ‘Datuk’, a traditional title conferred by the Malaysian royalty. Khan is among 78 others including Malaysia’s navy chief, academics and artists, to receive the award, in conjunction with the Malacca governor’s 70th birthday. The 42-year-old actor was honoured with the governor’s award for his contribution in promoting Malaysia to the region’s film industry, state officials said.

His 2001 movie, “One 2 Ka 4” was filmed at a popular resort in Malacca.

“This resulted in many people visiting Malacca. The award was given in recognition of this,” said Malacca chief minister Mohamad Ali Rustam.

However, this move was met by criticism by opposition lawmakers and the public. Opposition parliamentarian Lim Kit Siang said he was “astounded”.

“Are there no Malaysian film stars, artists or sports-people who have greater (talent) to be honoured and encouraged as compared to Shah Rukh?” Lim said in a statement.

Not only is Khan very popular among women of all ages in Malaysia, but Bollywood films in general have a huge following among the country's ethnic Indians and majority Muslim-Malays. [End of report]

When I first saw this news, I couldnt believe it because I thought the prefix 'Datuk' was only eligible for Malaysians only, but of course I was wrong. Now before I continue, I just want to tell my non-malay readers that the Datuk Im referring here is the title for someone who has contributed a lot of the country, in this case Malaysia and not the datuk as in someone grandfather. As you can read from the report, the title is usually conferred by the Malaysian royalty, thats why you have the 'Datuk' on the front of their Prime Minister's name, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, but in actual truth, anyone can be call a Datuk as long as you have contributed in some way to the country, but of course your contributions must be met at a certain standard before you can be conferred that title. Well at least that is what I believe it to be. I dont know about you, but I think this is the first time that I heard a foreigner being awarded that title. Maybe there are others before Shah Rukh Khan, but he is probably the biggest name individual who is not from the country that to be getting that honour. If anyone of you know any other big name to be getting that honour before and who is not a citizen of the country either, please tell me.

The problem though with Shah Rukh Khan is not whether he was born in Malaysia or not, but rather its the question of whether he deserve to be awarded that title. The reason why he is getting it is because of his contribution in promoting Malaysia to the region’s film and tourism industry, well that is according to the Malacca chief minister. Im not sure whether it is true or not, I mean just because he had done a film at Malacca will automatically mean people will start to come and visit the place. It is certainly good way to showcase the place, I mean having a Bollywood movie being filmed at your country is a good way to attract tourists. Bollywood is probably one of the big movie industry in the world, after Hollywood so there is a good chance that a lot of people will get the chance to see your country through it films and might consider spending their time visiting your country. But then again, it was only one movie. I find it difficult to believe that that one movie alone is enough to attract so many tourists to the state. I am also unsure if it was Shah Rukh Khan decision to have the movie filmed there or whether it was the director because if it was the director, then I dont know if Shah Rukh Khan deserved that title.

Some of you might be wondering, whats so good about being called a Datuk? Well there are a lot actually but most of the benefits are limited to be use in the country only. For example, if you are a Datuk, people will respect you or you can get the proper treatment from say airline reservations, car rental, hotel reservation and many more in Malaysia. And if the birthday of the Sultan or King is coming, you will be invited. I believe the awarding of the title can be done on a state-to-state basis, you dont have to get the approve of the government to get it, but the Datuk title will always be with you everytime you decide to travel in other places of the country, that doesnt change I think. Im not sure what most Malaysians or Malaccans have in mind regarding the news, but Im sure for most of the women, they dont mind at all. I know for the fact that Bollywood movies are very popular in the country, particularly the women even here in Singapore, there is a huge following among our malay community. I used to watch their movies but I got bored after a while. The new movies that are showing now is not as good as the old ones so I dont follow it much anymore. Anyway, back to the topic, I believe Shah Rukh Khan will gladly accept that title even though some people might be unhappy about it, its not like he need it, but its a great gift from the governor so why turn it down?

I think Ive said before in one of my previous post that I have a kampung in Malacca, so in a way, I feel proud and happy that they are giving Shah Rukh Khan the Datuk title. It makes me feel like he is our own Datuk, not just any Datuk, one that is very popular around the world. But at the same time, I thought he didnt really deserve it. But its the governor's decision, he can do whatever he want, and if he is happy, then the people should be too. Who knows maybe more Bollywood film will be produce in Malacca again so that maybe any actor or actress can get that title too. Anyway on a personal note, I dont really care about these titles, whether it is the Datuk or Sir in United Kingdom. It doesnt matter much to me. It is just a title, thats all it will not change who you are, but every country has their own reasons to continue having it, so I will leave it that way as long as they are happy.

*The report was taken from ChannelNewsAsia