Malay artistes livid over Shah Rukh Khan's Datukship

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 14 : The controversy surrounding Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan's conferment by Malaysian 'Datukship' has been fuelled further.

The Malaysian Artistes Association (Seniman) chairman has claimed that local artistes are more deserving than the superstar.

Malaysian Artistes Association (Seniman) chairman Datuk Mustapha Maarof said that artists like Azean Irdawaty, M. Nasir, Kuswadinata and Ruminah Sidek also deserved to receive the Datukship.

He said that the intention to award the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka to the actor should have been referred to Finas to determine whether he was eligible.

"It is their right to award the title. But we hope the selection of recipients should have been properly considered first," The Star online quoted him, as saying.

"State governments should ensure their awards are given out to only the most qualified candidates or the awards will lose their prestige," he added.

Maarof also added that it was an insult to Malaysians that Shah Rukh Khan did not turn up to accept the award.

Shah Rukh Khan was awarded the Datukship on Saturday during the 70th birthday of the Yang Di-Pertua of Malacca Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.

ANI