Chan says he will accept Datukship out of respect for Sabah Governor

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah DAP leader Chan Foong Hin has expressed his willingness to accept the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK) honorific title of “Datuk” as a sign of respect for the Sabah Governor.

Chan, who currently serves as the Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister, acknowledged that according to party policy set in 2018, only retired DAP members are allowed to receive honors from heads of state and national governments.

Despite this policy, Chan stated that he is prepared to face any consequence that the party may impose for accepting the PGDK from Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin during his birthday celebration.

Both Chan and Sabah DAP secretary Phoong Jin Zhe, who also holds the position of state Industrial and Entrepreneur Development Minister, were among the recipients of the Datuk title bestowed by the Governor at Istana Kinabalu on Saturday (Oct 7).

Addressing reporters at a supermarket during a rice sales visit, Chan explained that it was challenging for him to decline this award.

“I received a phone call from the Istana on Thursday (Oct 5), inviting me to attend the rehearsal on Friday (Oct 6).

“As a Sabahan, I felt it was not easy or appropriate to reject this honor. After all, it is an offer from the Governor and the state government, so I accepted it in good faith,” he added.

Chan further disclosed that both he and Phoong initially considered refusing the honor, but their names were already officially published.

“Since our names have already been gazetted, we felt it was necessary to respect the decision and recommendation made by the Sabah state government.

“Ultimately, I leave it to the party to decide on this issue,” Chan concluded.