I ABSOLUTELY agree with the voices of protest over the conferment of a datukship to Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan (”Protest over star’s Datukship” — NST, Oct 14). Not only does it “belittle the credibility and creativity of local talents”, the move also reflects the Malaysian tendency to idolise foreigners rather than our own countrymen.

Poor show
The Malacca government’s conferment of the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (DMSM) on Bollywood hearthrob Shah-rukh Khan is the pinnacle of mediocracy by a state administration.
The Artistes Association of Malaysia (Seniman) filed a protest over the award, with president Datuk Mustapha Maarof saying the award for Shahrukh belittles the credibility and creativity of local talent. Film Directors Association of Malaysia president Ahmad Ibrahim was convinced Shahrukh didn’t even know what being a “datuk” means.
This could explain why Shahrukh didn’t bother to attend the investiture ceremony last Saturday. He was probably sipping a cocktail in his mansion in Mumbai and mumbled “Yeah, whatever” when his assistant conveyed the news to him.
I end this letter with my two-sen worth of advice to the state government regarding the conferment of Datukships to the undeserving: Sudahlah tu.
 

Ridzuan Zulkifli

Source: NST – October 15, 2008