Return or Retract?

pic from freemalaysiatoday

SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, had ordered the suspension of the “Datuk Seri” title of former Selangor menteri besar Dr Khir Toyo, state secretary Khusrin Munawi said today.

He said the title, which came with the Seri Paduka Mahkota Selangor (SPMS) award conferred on Khir in 2001, was suspended after the Sungai Panjang assemblyman was charged with land fraud.

The suspension of the title and use of the award would be reviewed if the court decided that Khir was not guilty and acquitted him, he said in a statement.

He said the sultan had also ordered the suspension of the “Datuk” title of Ditamas Sdn Bhd director Shamsuddin Haryoni conferred in 2002.

Shamsuddin had been charged with abetment in the land fraud case.

Khusrin said the sultan decided on the suspension taking into consideration the severity of the charges against Khir and Shamsuddin in the public and national interests.

The suspension order was issued by the sultan after he had consulted the Council of the Royal Court of Selangor at its 129th meeting on Tuesday, he added.

Khir, 45, is alleged to have obtained for himself and his wife Zahrah Kechik two plots of land and a house at No 8 & 10, Jalan Suasa 7/1 L, Shah Alam, from Ditamas through Shamsuddin at RM3.5 million in May 2007 when in fact the lots were bought by Ditamas in December 2004 at RM6.5 million.

- Bernama

Shazat: The "Datuk"ship according to Incik Khir was return to the Sultan. Which is which?