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25.08.2024

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.

By Tunku Sophia

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.

Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei and his elder sisters, Princess Azemah Nimatul Bolkiah and Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah, with their mother Hajah Miriam Abdul Aziz attended the wedding celebration of his close friends, Danial Deen Isa-Kalebic and a Thai-born Janetira Attaskulchai at Four Season Hotel in Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand.

Picture credit: Royal World Thailand

3. Authenticity in a World of Performances

In a celebrity-driven culture, there is an overwhelming emphasis on performance—playing a role, living up to an image, and crafting a persona that attracts attention. What I find refreshing about Prince Mateen and Danial Deen is their authenticity. They do not need to play up their status or achievements; instead, they remain true to themselves, comfortable in their own skin. Their interactions are sincere, whether they are engaging with other royal families or everyday individuals. This authenticity is rare in a world where many celebrities are driven by the need to remain relevant, often at the cost of losing their genuine selves.

In a Malaysian society where the "social climber wannabes" often associated with fine dining and luxury events, it’s rare to find individuals who truly embody the timeless values of class by appreciating arts and high culture. Prince Mateen and Danial Deen Isa Kalebic represent the kind of gentlemanly class.

Picture credit: Instagram

 

4. Global Perspective and Worldly Sophistication

While many Malaysian elites have gained local recognition, their exposure often remains within the industry. In contrast, both Prince Mateen and Danial Deen came from a noble family, have been educated at some of the world’s top institutions (Mateen & Deen both educated from KCL), traveled extensively, and interacted with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. This global perspective gives them a sophisticated worldview that blends tradition with modernity. It’s one thing to be well-known in local circles; it’s another to possess the kind of worldly wisdom that allows you to effortlessly navigate any social situation. Their cosmopolitan outlook adds layers to their character, making them more refined and multifaceted than those whose fame is largely confined to a single industry.

5. Articulate, Intelligent, and Unpretentious Speech

One key aspect that distinguishes Prince Mateen and Danial Deen Isa Kalebic is how they speak and carry themselves in conversation. Both men are articulate and well-spoken, with a clear command of language that reflects both intellect and refinement. Their speech is thoughtful, deliberate, and free from the empty rhetoric or exaggerated tones often seen in Malaysian politicians or public figures. They communicate with purpose, balancing confidence with humility. What makes their approach stand out is the absence of pretension—despite their "blue-blood" status, they do not feel the need to oversell their knowledge or assert dominance in conversations. This natural eloquence, coupled with their genuine engagement in dialogue, conveys a sense of authenticity and grounded intelligence that is often missing in the overly polished or insincere delivery common among many public figures.

A Higher Standard of Gentlemanly Class

As someone who has observed the intricacies of high society both locally and internationally, I can confidently say that Prince Mateen and Danial Deen Isa Kalebic set a benchmark for what it means to be a true gentleman. They embody the qualities that transcend fame and status—elegance, education, etiquette. While many Malaysian elites (politicians, CEOs of large corporation, celebrities) excel in their chosen fields and command widespread attention, they often fall short in capturing the essence of timeless class that these two gentlemen consistently exhibit.

In our country where "class" is increasingly defined by appearances and surface-level glamour, Prince Mateen and Danial Deen offer a refreshing reminder that real elegance is rooted in substance. It is this substance, cultivated through global exposure, disciplined values, and a sense of tradition, that makes them stand out as examples of gentlemanly excellence in a way that few Malaysian elites can rival.

Question to you

In a world where true elegance and substance are increasingly rare, do you believe that Malaysian elites can rise to meet the higher standard of gentlemanly class set by figures like Prince Mateen and Danial Deen Isa Kalebic, or is our definition of "class" destined to remain tied to surface-level glamour?

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