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14.01.2025

Restoring dignity to Malaysia’s "Old Money" heritage

A reader explained how Malaysia's authentic "old money" men maintain their legacy through quiet dignity and service, contrasting with social media's performative displays of wealth.

HRH Prince Mateen and YAM Tengku Fahad Mua'adzam Shah at Istana Nurul Iman, Brunei (January 2024).

Photo credit: Instagram/tengkufahadshah.fc



Letter from Tunku A.

Hi GC,

Your recent editorial feature (Instagram: @gentscodemagazine - https://www.instagram.com/p/DEoSGx2Scm-/?hl=en&img_index=9) has prompted me to write this letter of appreciation. In an era where the essence of “old money” has become increasingly commodified, your platform has achieved something eye-opening: you've restored dignity to “old money” heritage that belongs, inherently and authentically, to those who seek it least—our traditional kerabat and established families who have carried their legacy through generations with quiet grace.

Your thoughtful portraits remind us that true nobility resides not with those who trumpet their credentials on social media, but with those who bear their inheritance as a sacred duty. The traditional kerabat of Malaysia have long understood what today's self-styled "old money influencers" seem to miss entirely: that genuine privilege carries with it "noblesse oblige"—the unspoken obligation to lead through service rather than style.

The multi-racial gentlemen you've featured— men such as Garvy Beh, Leow Ho Keng, and Raja Idris Iskandar Shah—embody this principle. They demonstrate that true "old money" belongs to those who view it not as a marketing opportunity, but as a trust, a family legacy, the burden of name.

As I was told by my father, authentic heritage cannot be acquired through a virtual world, in this case, careful curation of Instagram feeds or the affected poses of borrowed privilege. It belongs, as it always has, to those who bear its weight with humility—our traditional families who understand that their position demands not attention, but accountability.

Your post serves as a gentle reminder that while anyone can adopt the aesthetics of privilege, the genuine article reveals itself in quiet acts of responsibility and service. In showcasing these true representatives of Malaysian “old money style” men, you've helped preserve something precious: the understanding that "old money" isn't about who claims it loudest, but who carries it most gracefully.

Thank you for this restoration of perspective. You've reminded us that in Malaysia, authentic heritage still resides where it always has—with those who view it not as a path to fame, but as a call to duty.

With sincere appreciation,

Tunku A

Answer by The Gentleman:

Hi Y.M. Tunku A,

Your letter arrived at a moment when we needed it most. Just yesterday, we were questioning our editorial direction amid the endless parade of social media "old money" and wondering if anyone still valued authentic storytelling.

To be honest, featuring these gentlemen was a risk. In an age where engagement metrics often dictate content, choosing to spotlight those who actively shy away from attention seemed almost counterintuitive. Your letter confirms what our gut was telling us – that there's still a place for stories about genuine heritage in our digital landscape.

We must confess something: when we first conceived this feature, we worried about whether we could do justice to these stories. How does one capture the essence of generations values without falling into the very traps of superficiality we sought to avoid? Your words suggest we somehow managed to walk that fine, thin line.

Your father's wisdom about authentic heritage resonates deeply with our mission. At GC, we've always believed that true style isn't about what you display, but what you choose to keep private. It's refreshing to know that this perspective still matters.

Thank you for taking the time to write to us. Your insight into "noblesse oblige" and its modern meaning gives us renewed purpose. We'll continue our efforts to document Malaysian heritage with the respect and subtlety it deserves.

 

With sincere gratitude,

The Gentleman

READ: Of Aristocratic, Blue Blood, and Old Money Style

READ: The psychology of 'Old Money' in Malaysian society: 5 behaviors that exude culture and elegance


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