Malay styles and titles
The Malay language has a complex system of styles, titles and honorifics which are used extensively in Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Singapore.
Singapore, whose Malay royalty was abolished by the British colonial government in 1891, has adopted civic titles for its leaders.
Much of the Philippines was historically accustomed to the usage of Malay titles by its royals and nobles, such as Raja Sulayman and Dayang Kalangitan in Luzon.
Malay titles are still prominently used by the royal houses of Sulu[1][2] and Maguindanao among other noble lineages in Mindanao in preservation of genealogies.
Following this, the Cheteria, only bestowed upon the Pengiran, who perform specific jobs and are ranked above the Manteri, a group of non-royal nobles.
According to royal customs established during the reign of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, and based on knowledge passed down by elders, any name, rank, title, position, or honorific must be preceded by a terasul before being mentioned or written.
Given that Brunei is an absolute monarchy, the correct use of official titles for members of the royal family is essential.
[5] Incorrect usage can cause discomfort or be perceived as disrespectful, emphasising the importance of adhering to these formal protocols.
In ancient times, Tun was an honorific title used by noble people of royal lineage, inherited by the male descendants.
Tun is the most senior federal title awarded to recipients of either the Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara (Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm) (SMN) or Seri Setia Mahkota (Grand Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia) (SSM).
The SMN is usually awarded to newly appointed Yang di-Pertua Negeri (YDPN), and to all the retired Prime Ministers of Malaysia, with the exception of Tunku Abdul Rahman (he is the Prince of the state of Kedah), Najib Razak, Muhyiddin Yassin, and Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Examples: Tan Sri is the second-most senior federal title and a honorific, used to denote recipients of the Panglima Mangku Negara (Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm) (PMN) and the Panglima Setia Mahkota (Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia) (PSM).
In Brunei, the title Dato is now comparable to the Commonwealth's Sir and is frequently used with a great non-royal chief.
In many cases, the number of Malaysian nationals who may hold a state title or honour at one time is limited.
An example of the title in Brunei would be Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Di-Raja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa, the former Minister of Home Affairs and the current Special Adviser to the Sultan of Brunei.
Awarded to individuals who have been appointed as Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Malacca or equivalent or higher.
The various rulers have recently taken steps to ensure the integrity of the institution by means of consultation and the revoking of the given titles.
"[This quote needs a citation] In the first government following the independence of Malaya in 1957, 5 of 15 cabinet Ministers were Datuks.
The Minister of Finance of Malaysia at the time, Tan Siew Sin, held the title Justice of Peace.
[22] In 2024, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar of Johor, stated "If a recipient is found to have tarnished the country’s image or commits a crime and has been punished by the court, then the award will be withdrawn.
