In a statement today, Selangor state secretary Datuk Haris Karim said Phang’s “Datin Paduka” title was revoked on Oct 11 as she was no longer qualified to hold the title. - NSTP/MOHD FADLI HAMZAH.
In a statement today, Selangor state secretary Datuk Haris Karim said Phang’s “Datin Paduka” title was revoked on Oct 11 as she was no longer qualified to hold the title. - NSTP/MOHD FADLI HAMZAH.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has revoked the datukship of former Port Klang Authority general manager OC Phang @ Phang Ai Tu after she was declared bankrupt by the Malaysian Department of Insolvency.

In a statement today, Selangor state secretary Datuk Haris Karim said Phang's "Datin Paduka" title was revoked on Oct 11 as she was no longer qualified to hold the title.

He said the decision was made by the Sultan of Selangor after discussion with the Selangor Council of the Royal Court.

"She can no longer use the title and other individuals also cannot address her with the title, in accordance with the Article 39 of the Selangor State Constitution 1959, Titles and Honours Statute.

"The Sultan of Selangor values the reputation of state award recipients particularly among officers who are allegedly involved in corruption, abused of power and breach of trust.

"They are not supposed to be involved in misconduct and criminal offences to protect the dignity of the title and preserve their status."

Phang was conferred the Darjah Kebesaran Dato' Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (D.S.S.A) in 2010 which carries the title "Datuk". However, female recipients of datukships are required to use the title "Datin Paduka".

Haris said Sultan Sharafuddin also reminded all parties to ensure that appropriate measures and strict actions are implemented to curb corruption, breach of trust, abuse of power and misconduct.

"This is especially for civil servants, leaders, professionals, corporate members and individuals who are directly involved in misconduct.

"This is to ensure that the state is always in peace and under efficient and integrated governance," he said.

Phang, who was ordered to pay RM2.6 billion in damages by the Shah Alam High Court to PKA, was declared a bankrupt on Jan 19 last year.