What do Datuk and Datin mean?

Posted by Johan Ariff | May 14, 2009 .

Datuk is a federal title has been conferred since 1965 and limited to recipients of PJN (Panglima Jasa Negara) of which there may be up to 200 living at any one time, and PSD (Panglima Setia Diraja) of which there may be up to 200 living at any one time. The PJN and PSN rank 9th and 10th respectively in the rank of federal awards.

The wife of a federal Datuk is a Datin.

A female conferred the title in her own right is known as “Datin Paduka”, although the prefix “Datuk” is still more commonly used for females as well.

The numerical limits apply only to Malaysian subjects. Foreigners may receive the award in a supernumerary and honorary capacity and use the title locally.

Individual states that has a head of state nominated by the respective state’s legislature may confer the title of ‘Datuk’ to individuals. However, this is different from the title “Dato’”, where it is given by individual states that has a Sultan and not a head of state nominated by the state legislature. For example, Yang Dipertua Negeri Melaka is a head of state nominated by the Melaka state legislature and may confer the title of ‘Datuk’ while the Sultan of Pahang is the hereditary ruler of the state of Pahang and may confer the title of “Dato’”.

The award of these titles is determined by the individual rulers and there is no set limit on the number of state Dato’s.