Datukships - A reflection

It is generally known that state awards such as Datuk or Dato' can be conferred on someone who has the right connection and money. The rationale for awarding someone with a title is for the contribution that that person has made towards the nation. The contribution can be in any area e.g. public service, sports, arts etc. Well, I guess monetary contribution is still contribution. The problem with this is you will get all sorts of dubious characters who can afford to pay to get such an award. It cheapens the award and puts together those who have really sacrificed for the good of the nation and those who merely contribute to the state coffers.

Now it seems we have a new category of contribution. You can be awarded a Datukship if you have contributed to the fall of a democratically elected government. It's now Datuk Hee Yit Fong. What else did she contribute? O yes, she was also there on that infamous day in May last year in the Legislative Assembly contributing to the shameful and criminal eviction of the rightful State Assembly Speaker. Yes, she was the one with the key chain, no a pepper spray (but it wasn't hers), no she didn't spray only threatened to spray. When I read about her being awarded this morning, I commented in my FB, that the name with the title made me want to vomit.

Later in the day, I came to know that my former school principal, Bro. Vincent Corkery has also been awarded a Datukship by the same ruler. I'm ambivalent about it. I would have been elated if this had happened last year. Certainly, the award has been long overdue. But actually he doesn't need such an award. In fact, in his acceptance statement, he said he is receiving it on behalf of the La Salle brothers and St. Michael's Ipoh as a recognition for their long established role as beacon of excellence.

I don't really know Bro. Vincent quite well. He was my principal for less than 2 years (Lower and Upper Six). He came across as a quiet and somewhat aloof person. But I never doubted his dedication towards his role as an educator and his concern for all the students' welfare under his care. I think to some extent he was overshadowed by his predecessor, the legendary Bro. Ultan Paul. Anyway, no one will deny his contribution towards the realization of the "Michaelian Spirit". I can't help but to think that a recent article on his plight may have played a part in him being conferred the award.

Thank you Bro. Vincent for accepting the award on our behalf. Actually, we don't need such awards and recognition for we know we are great as an institution because of great teachers like yourself who have left an indelible mark (for the good) in our lives as we passed through the hallowed halls of our alma mater.

Same award to one who betrays her conscience and many people and to one who has dedicated his entire life to education of his students and their character formation.