Installation of 'Kinta Maharaja", absurd - Perak MB

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir has dismissed the installation of an individual as the "Maharaja of Kinta" last November as ridiculous.

In light of this absurdity, he advised the public not to be easily duped by offers of state honours, awards and insignias by irresponsible individuals and who were not recognised by the government.

"This is all absurd. It is clear enough that the system in Perak only has one (sultan)," he told reporters after chairing a state executive council meeting, here, today.

Last Sunday, a local newspaper reported that an individual was installed as the "Maharaja of Kinta" using the title of 'Yang Mulia Datuk Seri Paduka Diraja' at a ceremony in Selangor late last year.

The installation was like that of the country's royal rulers which included the bathing ceremony and presentation of insignias and awards that carried the titles of 'Datuk Seri' and 'Datuk'.

Zambry said the issue of conferring such awards by irresponsible parties should be tackled fast by the federal government to prevent it from becoming more serious, through enforcement of the legal provisions.

He said the matter had previously been referred to the Attorney-General for further action, especially from the legal aspect.

"This matter involves the constitution, so I hope the federal government will promptly address it, otherwise anyone can indiscriminately confer awards with all kinds of titles," he added.