Why Prince Mateen and Danial Deen Isa Kalebic embody true class beyond Malaysian elites
A Malaysian lady of royal lineage and high society exposure shares why Prince Mateen of Brunei and Danial Deen Isa Kalebic exhibit a higher standard of gentlemanly class compared to local elites, focusing on their ethos of enduring class.

Words: Tunku Sophia, Editor-at-large
Prince Mateen of Brunei and Danial Deen Isa Kalebic exemplify true gentlemanly class with their understated elegance, authenticity, and global sophistication, surpassing the surface-level glamour often seen in Malaysian elites.
Picture: Instagram
As someone of royal lineage, educated in the UK, and accustomed to the finer nuances of high society through numerous balls, galas, and black-tie events, I have encountered a wide spectrum of individuals who claim to exemplify class. Yet, few truly capture the essence of a gentleman in the way that Prince Mateen of Brunei and his close friend, Danial Deen Isa Kalebic, do. In comparison to Malaysian elites—who often dominate headlines for their viral remarks or glamorous lifestyles—these two gentlemen stand out for their ethos of enduring class. Here’s why I believe they exemplify a higher standard of class than many of our well-known public figures.
1. Substance Over Style
In the world of celebrities, where image is everything, it is easy to mistake flashiness for class. Many Malaysian elites or celebrities prioritize surface-level glamour—wearing the latest designer outfits, attending high-profile events, and sharing curated lifestyles on social media. However, Prince Mateen and Danial Deen possess a quiet, effortless elegance that transcends mere aesthetics. Their sense of style is refined, focusing on quality and subtlety rather than ostentation. They do not seek validation through public displays of luxury, and this lack of pretense is what sets them apart. In contrast, many celebrities, despite their fame, often fall into the trap of projecting status rather than substance.
2. Genuine Etiquette and Grace
Being in high society, one quickly learns that true class is not just about what you wear, but how you carry yourself. Prince Mateen and Danial Deen display an ease and confidence that are natural, not rehearsed. They know how to engage in meaningful conversations, show deference when appropriate, and offer a warm presence without appearing aloof. It’s these finer points of etiquette—knowing when to be assertive, when to be silent, and how to make everyone feel comfortable—that truly distinguish a gentleman. In comparison, many Malaysian elites tend to exhibit behavior that is either too polished or, at times, too casual for formal settings, revealing a lack of genuine understanding of the nuances of high society etiquette.


About the Author
Y.M. Tunku Sophia
Tunku Sophia brings a rarefied sensibility to GC, where her role as Editor-at-Large extends far beyond editorial finesse. She is both a custodian of heritage and a tastemaker of modern refinement—navigating the intersections of nobility, intellect, and global sophistication.
Educated in Europe and raised amidst the protocols of international diplomacy, Tunku Sophia has cultivated a lifelong devotion to the codes of high society—those unwritten rules that govern elegance, discretion, and true class.
Her editorial lens champions a revival of chivalry in a world increasingly enamoured with the superficial. Whether spotlighting princely heirs who exude understated gravitas or offering unflinching critiques of nouveau extravagance, Tunku Sophia remains committed to the pursuit of timeless values in an age of fleeting trends.