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31.01.2025

The Fake Datuk Syndrome: Malaysia’s obsession with titles

Malaysia’s obsession with honorific titles has led to the rise of the Fake Datuk Syndrome, where wealth, not merit, determines status. From purchased Dato’ titles to Instagram flexing, explore the humor and reality behind this cultural phenomenon.

Words: Johan Chua

Photo: The Old Man (Credit: FX)

 

There’s a running joke in Malaysia: if you toss a stone into a crowded room, chances are you’ll hit a Datuk, or Dato’, If the stone bounces, it might even land on a Tan Sri. But in the grand theatre of Malaysian society, where the obsession with titles rivals our love for nasi lemak, one question lingers—how many of these honorifics are actually earned?

Welcome to the age of the Fake Datuk Syndrome, where a plastic plaque and the right connections can suddenly bestow ‘nobility.’

The Business of Titles

Photo credit: Getty Images

 

In a world where status is king, the Dato’ Industrial Complex thrives. Titles are no longer purely conferred upon individuals for distinguished service to the nation. Instead, a well-placed cheque—often ranging from RM100,000 to RM300,000—can transform a mid-level businessman into “Dato’” overnight.

The price fluctuates, of course, depending on the prestige of the source. The less informed might believe every “Datuk” they meet is a government-recognized recipient of a federal or state award. The reality? Some have simply purchased their way into noble society, bypassing any actual contribution to the nation. It’s the social equivalent of buying a fake Rolex—shiny on the surface but ultimately unimpressive to those who know better.

The Rise of The Instagram Datuk

Gone are the days when noblemen carried themselves with discretion and dignity. Today, self-proclaimed Dato’s flood social media with pictures of luxury cars, cigar lounges, and dinner parties with local celebrities—all meticulously curated for maximum public envy. Their captions often include “Humble beginnings” (though their only known struggle was choosing between a Bentley or a Maybach).

These Instagram Datuks thrive on the illusion of prestige, but scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find tales of questionable business dealings, Ponzi schemes, and VIP table flexing at the night club.

The Real Gentlemen of Malaysia

Robert Kuok.

Credit: Getty Images

 

True nobility—whether in birth, wealth, or character—does not require validation through a purchased title. Malaysia has its share of true gentlemen, men whose names command respect without the need for prefixes. Take, for example, Robert Kuok, the nation’s wealthiest man, who never paraded a title despite his immeasurable contributions. Or Raja Tun Dato' Seri Utama Muhammad Alias, the Chairman of FELDA (1979-2001) during his administration who led FELDA towards glory in the eyes of the world. The real measure of a gentleman is in how he carries himself, how he serves his community, and the legacy he leaves behind—not the length of his title or how well his honorifics roll off the tongue.

A Nation of Insecure Honorifics?

Malaysia’s obsession with pomp and ceremony reflects a deeper cultural insecurity. While true aristocracies in Europe have centuries of heritage to lean on, we, as a relatively young nation, seem eager to manufacture prestige. But when everyone is a Datuk, is anyone really a Datuk?

Perhaps, instead of obsessing over titles and grandiose self-importance, we should embrace what truly makes a man noble—his values, his impact, and his ability to stand tall without needing a title to prop him up. Until then, the Fake Datuk Syndrome will remain a curious but amusing affliction of Malaysian society.

So the next time you meet a Dato’ Dr. Haji Who-Knows-Who, just smile and ask, “Oh, how much did you pay for that title?” Watch how quickly the conversation changes.

[Note: No actual Datuks were harmed in the writing of this article, but several egos might need medical attention.]

 

About the Contributor

Johan Chua

is a long student of masculinity, culture and lifestyle and various other subjects. He is interested in how all these things come together to impact our world and us individually.

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