Malay styles and titles

TheMalay languagehas a complex system ofstyles,titlesandhonorificswhich are used extensively inBrunei Darussalam,MalaysiaandSingapore.

Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, few provinces in the Philippines and several provinces in Indonesia regularly award honorary and life titles.^{[citation needed]}What follows in this article is specific to the Malaysian system. References to Brunei and Indonesia are given when pertinent.

In Malaysia, all non-hereditary titlescan be granted to both men and women. Every title has aform of addresswhich can be used by the wife of the title holder. This form is not used by the husband of a titled woman; such a woman will bear a title which is the same as a titled man.^{[citation needed]}

Former usage

Singapore,whose Malay royalty was abolished by theBritish colonial governmentin 1891, has adopted civic titles for its leaders.

Much of thePhilippineswashistoricallyaccustomed to the usage of Malay titles byits royals and nobles,such asRaja SulaymanandDayang Kalangitanin Luzon. Malay titles are still prominently used by the royal houses ofSulu^[1]^[2]andMaguindanaoamong other noble lineages inMindanaoin preservation of genealogies. Officially, the republic does not grant royal or noble titles according to the1987 Constitution.

Indonesia,meanwhile, as a republic, does not recognise hereditary rulers and aristocratic systems outside ofYogyakarta.

Usage

The sequence that should be used when formally writing or addressing a person's name is: honorary style, professional rank, royal hereditary title, federal title, state title, non-royal hereditary title, Doctor (of medicine or philosophy), Haji/Hajah (forMuslimmen and women who have performed theHajj), name.

For instance, in Brunei, theWaziris a group of royal nobles, namely one of the royal princes who isgahara(pure descendants of theSultan), are the second-highest official post in the nation, right behind the Sultan. Following this, theCheteria,only bestowed upon thePengiran,who perform specific jobs and are ranked above theManteri,a group of non-royal nobles.^[3]An example of a Manteri would be the formerpolice commissioner of Brunei,Hasrin Sabtu,whose honorary title would beYang Dimuliakan(The Exalted One), noble rank isPehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam,state title isDato Paduka Seriand traditional Bruneian prefix title for non-royalty isAwang(Mr.).^[4]

When in the home state, the state title may precede thefederal title.An example is the currentPremier of Sarawak,Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Abang Openg,whose federal title isTan Sriand whose state title isDatuk Patinggi.His title will be expressed as either:

Yang Amat Berhormat Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi(Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg (federally)
Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri(Dr.) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg (in his home state).

Another exception is when a person has received an award from a state other than the person's home state; when visiting the award-bestowing state, that state's title will take the place of a home state's title (if any). As an example, the current Prime Minister,Anwar Ibrahimwill be titled as follows:

Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' SeriAnwar bin Ibrahim (federally)
Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri PanglimaAnwar bin Ibrahim (inSabah)
Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Seri UtamaAnwar bin Ibrahim (inPenang)
Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Seri DirajaAnwar bin Ibrahim (inPerlis)

A style carried by virtue of royal title always trumps those carried by non-royal titles. Male royals may choose to append 'al-Haj' to their name instead of using 'Haji'. The following example is correct:

Yang Amat MuliaGeneral Tengku Dato' (name) al-Haj.

Malay royalty

The following titles are hereditary and reserved for the royal families ofBruneiand nine royal states ofMalaysia.

Brunei

According to royal customs established during the reign ofSultan Hassanal Bolkiah,and based on knowledge passed down by elders, any name, rank, title, position, or honorific must be preceded by aterasulbefore being mentioned or written. This tradition reflects the deep respect for hierarchical and cultural values in Brunei. Given that Brunei is an absolute monarchy, the correct use of official titles for members of the royal family is essential.^[5]Incorrect usage can cause discomfort or be perceived as disrespectful, emphasising the importance of adhering to these formal protocols.^[6]

Terasulfor the Sultan:^[5]

Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri BagindaSultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, 29th Sultan of Brunei

Before reaching puberty:Kebawah Duli Sultan(followed by the Sultan's given name).
Before thecoronation:Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Sultan(followed by the Sultan's given name).
After the coronation:Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan(followed by the Sultan's given name), Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan.
After the coronation and performing theHajj:Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji^[a](followed by the Sultan's given name), Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan.
Uponabdication:Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan(followed by the Sultan's given name).
Upon abdication after performing the Hajj:Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Haji^[b](followed by the Sultan's given name).

Terasulfor the Sultan's wife:^[7]

Before being honoured:Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Isteri(followed by her given name).
After being honoured:Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Raja Isteri(followed by her given name).
After being honoured and performing Hajj:Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah^[c](followed by her given name).
Second wife of the Sultan before his coronation:Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Raja^[d](followed by her name without the term 'Isteri').
Second wife of the Sultan after his coronation:Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Isteri^[e](followed by her given name).
Sultan's wife fromcommon lineage:^[f]Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran IsteriorPengiran Bini^[g](followed by her given name).
After abdication from the throne:Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Suri Seri Begawan Raja^[h](followed by her given name).

Terasulfor thePengiran Muda Mahkota,'Crown Prince' and his wife:^[8]

Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda MahkotaPengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah,son of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah

Before performing the obligatory Hajj:Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota(followed by his given name).
After performing the obligatory Hajj:Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji(followed by his given name).
Wife of thePengiran Muda Mahkota:Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri^[i](followed by her given name).
Wife of thePengiran Muda Mahkotafrom common lineage: After being officially declared and granted the title of eitherPengiran Isteri,Pengiran Bini,or any other title, herterasuldepends on the bestowed honour (followed by her given name).

Terasulfor thegahara^[j]son of Sultan and his wife:^[9]

Gaharason of Sultan:Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Duli Pengiran Muda^[k](followed by his given name).
If he becomes aWazir:Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri(followed by his title)Pengiran Muda(followed by his given name).
Wife of thegaharason of Sultan:Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri(followed by her given name).
Wife of thegaharason of Sultan from common lineage: After being officially declared and granted the title of eitherPengiran Isteri,Pengiran Bini,or any other title, herterasuldepends on the bestowed honour (followed by her given name).

Terasulfor thegaharadaughter of Sultan:^[10]

Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka SeriPengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah,daughter of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah

For thegaharadaughter of Sultan:Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Puteri(followed by her given name).
If married to a Wazir orCheteria:Same as above, preceded by the phraseisteri kepada(followed by her husband's title).

Terasulfor the children ofgaharason of Sultan:^[11]

For the male child of agaharason:Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda(followed by his given name).
For the female child of agaharason:Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak(followed by her given name).

Terasulfor the children ofgaharadaughter of Sultan:^[11]

For the male child of agaharadaughter:Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak^[l](followed by his given name).
For the female child of agaharadaughter:Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak(followed by her given name).

Terasulof themotherofRaja Isteri,'Queen Consort':^[11]

Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Babu Raja(followed by her given name).

If the Queen Consort's mother is from a common lineage, or if she has been granted the title Pengiran or otherwise, theterasulto be used for her will depend on the title granted by the Sultan.

Terasulof the non-gaharachildren of Sultan:^[11]

Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak(followed by their given name).

Terasulof the non-gaharagrandchildren of Sultan:^[11]

Yang Mulia Pengiran Anak(followed by their given name).

Terasulof thePerdana Wazirand his wife:^[12]

If he is thegaharason of the Sultan:Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Perdana Wazir Sahibul Himmah Wal-Waqar^[m](followed by his given name).
If he is the non-gaharason of the Sultan:Yang Teramat Mulia Seri Paduka Pengiran Perdana Wazir Sahibul Himmah Wal-Waqar(followed by his given name).
TheDuli Pengiran Perdana Wazir's wife from Pengiran lineage:Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri^[n](followed by her given name), wife ofDuli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Perdana Wazir Sahibul Himmah Wal-Waqar.
ThePengiran Perdana Wazir's wife from Pengiran lineage:Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Isteri(followed by her given name).
TheDuli Pengiran Perdana WazirorPengiran Perdana Wazir's wife from common lineage: Theterasulisdecreed,subject to the Sultan's grant.

Terasulof the Wazir^[o]and his wife:^[13]

Yang Teramat Mulia Seri Paduka Pengiran Di-Gadong Sahibul MalPengiran Anak Khamis,non-gaharason of SultanHashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin

Pengiran Bendahara:Yang Teramat Mulia Seri Paduka Pengiran Bendahara Seri Maharaja Permaisuaras^[p](followed by his given name).
Pengiran Di-Gadong:Yang Teramat Mulia Seri Paduka Pengiran Di-Gadong Sahibul Mal^[q](followed by his given name).
Pengiran Pemancha:Yang Teramat Mulia Seri Paduka Pengiran Pemancha Sahibul Rae' Wal-Mashuarah^[r](followed by his given name).
Pengiran Temenggong:Yang Teramat Mulia Seri Paduka Pengiran Temenggong Sahibul Bahar^[s](followed by his given name).
If the Wazir is a son of the Sultan and his wife is from Pengiran lineage:Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri(followed by her given name).
If all of Wazir's wives from Pengiran lineage:Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Bini(followed by their given name).
If the Wazir's wife from a common lineage:Yang Mulia(followed by her given name). Wife ofYang Teramat Mulia Seri Paduka Pengiran Bendahara,^[t]Pengiran Di-Gadong,Pengiran PemanchaorPengiran Temenggong(followed by their given name), unless there is a special decree.

Terasulof the Cheteria and his wife:^[14]

Cheteria:Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran(followed by his title and given name).
Wife of Cheteria if she is fromPengiran Peranakan Bertaras:Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran(followed by her given name).
Wife of Cheteria if she is from Pengiran or common lineages:Yang Mulia(followed by her given name), wife of Pengiran (followed by the husband's title).

Yang Amat MuliaPengiran Muda Abdul Hakeem,son ofDuli Yang Teramat Mulia Seri Paduka Pengiran Di-Gadong Sahibul MalPengiran Muda Haji Jefri Bolkiah

Terasulof thegaharamale and female child of Wazir:^[15]

For the male child ofDuli Pengiran Perdana Waziror Wazir (gaharason of Sultan):Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda^[u](followed by his given name).
If female:Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak(followed by her given name).
For thegaharamale child ofPengiran Perdana Wazir(but thePerdana Waziris a non-gaharason of the Sultan):Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak^[v](followed by his given name).
For thegaharamale child of Wazir (but the Wazir is a non-gaharason of the Sultan):Yang Mulia Pengiran Anak(followed by his given name).
For the non-gaharachild of Wazir:Yang Mulia Pengiran(followed by their given name).

Terasulof the children of Cheteria:^[15]

For thegaharachildren of Cheteria (if the wife of the Cheteria is agaharadaughter of the Sultan):Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak(followed by their given name).
For thegaharaand non-gaharachild of Cheteria:Yang Mulia Pengiran(followed by their given name).

Terasulof thegaharaof Pengiran Anak:^[15]

For the children of Pengiran Anak whose wife is a Pengiran Anak:Yang Mulia Pengiran Anak(followed by their given name).
For the children of Pengiran Anak whose wife is not a Pengiran Anak:Yang Mulia Pengiran(followed by their given name).

Terasulof thePengiran Kebanyakan:^[16]

For a male or female, whether gahara or not: Yang Mulia Pengiran (followed by the name of the individual).

Terasulof thePehin Manteri:^[16]

For thePehin Datu Seri Maharaja:Yang Dimuliakan Lagi Dihormati.
For thePehin Datu Perdana Manteri:Yang Dimuliakan Lagi Dihormati.
For thePehin Orang Kaya Di-GadongandPehin Orang Kaya Di-Gadong Seri Lela:Yang Dimuliakan Lagi Dihormati.
For thePehin Manteri Berchiri:Yang Dimuliakan.
For theManteri Bertauliah:Yang Mulia.

Terasulof the senior government officials:^[16]

For the cabinet ministers:Yang Berhormat.
For the members of theCouncil of Ministers:According to the respective title and position.^[w]
For the high commissioners or ambassadors:Tuan Yang Terutama.

Malaysia

Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia(KDYMM) (literally 'He/She who is below the dust of The Almighty') is used for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and state rulers alike. The title is a reference to the rulers being subjected to the Law of God with their powers below that ofAllah.However, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong also uses the prefix 'Seri Paduka Baginda' (literally, 'Conqueror Majesty') and in English, his title is often translated as 'His Majesty'. However, the style differs from state to state as according to states' tradition.

Federal

Titles of Malaysian royalty and rulers:

Yang di-Pertuan Agong(literally, 'He who is made Supreme Lord' but usually 'Supreme Head' or 'Paramount Ruler') is the official title of the ruler of all Malaysia, elected from among the nine heads of the royal families. The title is often glossed 'King' in English. He is styled asKebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda(His Majesty).
Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong(literally, 'Deputy of He who is made Supreme Lord', but usually 'Deputy Supreme Head' or 'Deputy Paramount Ruler') is the official title of the deputy ruler of all Malaysia who is also elected from among the nine heads of the royal families. The title is often glossed 'Deputy King' in English. He is styled asKebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia(His Royal Highness).
Raja Permaisuri Agong(literally, 'The Supreme Lady') is the official title of the consort of the ruler of Malaysia. The title is often glossed 'Queen' in English. She is styled asKebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda(Her Majesty).
Yang di-Pertua Negeri(YDPN) is not a royal title, but the title of 'The Head of the State' (the 'Supreme Head') for the state ofPenang,Melaka,Sabah,andSarawak,which do not have hereditary rulers.Yang di-Pertua Negeriis installed by theYang di-Pertuan Agong.The title is sometimes translated as 'Governor' in English. They are styledTuan/Puan Yang Terutama(His/Her Excellency).

Negeri Sembilan

Yamtuan Besar,officiallyYang di-Pertuan Besar(literally 'He who is made Chief Ruler',) is the title of the ruler ofNegeri Sembilan.He is styled asDuli Yang Maha Mulia(His Royal Highness).
Tunku Ampuan Besar('The Chief Royal Consort') is the title of the queen consort of royal parentage for Negeri Sembilan. She is styled asDuli Yang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Che' Ampuan Besaris the title of the queen consort of non-royal blood (commoner). She is styled asDuli Yang Teramat Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Tunku Ampuan('The Chief Dowager') is the title of the queendowager.She is styled asYang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Tunku Puan Besar('The Senior Chief Dowager') is the title of the senior queen dowager. She is styledYang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
The children of rulers have the title and style ofYang Amat Mulia(His Highness) Tunku and (Her Highness) Tunku.
The fiefs of the state, theUndangsare for the areas (luak) ofJelebu,Johol,Sungai Ujong,andRembau.They are all styledYang Teramat Mulia(His Grace). Their spouses are titled Tok Puan with the styleYang Mulia(Her Grace).
The Tunku Besar ofTampin,a semi-autonomous area ruled by the Al-Qadri family. He is styledYang Teramat Mulia(His Grace). His spouse is accorded the title of Tunku Isteri (of royal parentage) and Cik Puan Isteri (of non-royal blood) with the style ofYang Mulia(Her Grace).
The Tunku Besar (literally the 'Senior Prince') ofSeri Menantiis the title of eldest son of theYang di-Pertuan Besar.He is styledYang Amat Mulia(His Highness).

Selangor

Sultan and Yang di-Pertuanis the title of the ruler ofSelangor.He is styledDuli Yang Maha Mulia(His Royal Highness). The style is also the title of thestate anthem.
Tengku Ampuan Selangoris the title of the queen consort of royal parentage. She is styled asDuli Yang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Tengku Permaisuri Selangoris the title for queen consort of non-royal blood. She is styled asDuli Yang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Che' Puan Besar Selangoris the title for second consort of the ruler (of non-royal blood) if he is still marries with queen consort. She is styled asYang Teramat Mulia(Her Highness).
Tengku Ampuan(literally 'Queen Dowager') is the title of the queendowageris she of royal blood. She is styled asYang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Paduka Bonda Raja(literally 'Royal Mother') is the title of the Sultan's mother who was not installed as aTengku Ampuan.She is styled asYang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Permaisuriis the title of the queen dowager if she is not of royal blood. She is styledYang Amat Mulia(Her Highness).
Raja Muda Selangor(literally means 'Younger King') is the title of the heir apparent. He is then styledDuli Yang Teramat Mulia(His Highness).
Raja Puan Muda Selangor(literally 'Younger Lady King') is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is of royal blood. She is styledDuli Yang Teramat Mulia(Her Highness).
Che' Puan Muda Selangoris the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styledYang Teramat Mulia(Her Highness).
The other children of the Sultan is titled and styledYang Amat Mulia(His/Her Highness) Tengku.
The palace dignitaries orOrang Besar Istanawhom are responsible for any engagement involving the palace is titled and styled asYang Dimuliakan(His Highness) Tengku. His spouse is accorded the honorific prefix ofTo’ Puan.

Perlis

Raja and Yang di-Pertuanis the title of the ruler ofPerlis.He is styled asDuli Yang Maha Mulia(His Royal Highness).
Raja Perempuan(literally 'Female Queen') is the title of the queen consort of Perlis. She is styledDuli Yang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Raja Perempuan Besaris the title of the queen dowager. She is styledYang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Raja Muda(literally 'Younger King') is the title of the heir apparent. He is styledDuli Yang Teramat Mulia(His Royal Highness).
Raja Puan Muda(literally 'Younger Lady King') is the title of the consort of the heir apparent. She is styledDuli Yang Teramat Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
The other children of the Raja and Raja Muda are styled asYang Amat Mulia(His/Her Highness) Syed/Sharifah, with the suffix house name of Jamalullail.

Terengganu

Sultan and Yang di-Pertuanis the title of the ruler of the state ofTerengganu.He is styledKebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia(His Royal Highness).
Tengku Ampuan Besaris the title of the queen consort of the state for queens of royal blood. She is styled asKebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Permaisuriis the title of the queen consort if she is not of royal blood initially used bySultanah Nur Zahirahuntil it was changed by Sultan Mizan. A Permaisuri is styledKebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Sultanahis a customarily title that is awarded to the consort of the Sultan. She is styledKebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Tengku Ampuanis the title of the Queen dowager. She is styled asYang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Tengku Ampuan Tua(literally 'Grand Queen dowager') is the title of the senior queen dowager. She is styled asYang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Tengku Besaris the title of the Sultan's mother if she has not been crowned. She is styled asYang Teramat Mulia(Her Highness).
Yang di-Pertuan Muda(literally 'He who is made the young Lord') is the title of the heir apparent. He is styledDuli Yang Teramat Mulia(His Royal Highness).
Tengku Puan Mudais the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is of royal blood. She is styledDuli Yang Teramat Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
To' Puan Seriis the honorific form of address for the consort of the heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styledYang Amat Berbahagia(Her Most Gracious).
The other children of the Sultan is styled and titledYang Amat Mulia(His/Her Highness) Tengku.

Kedah

Sultan and Yang di-Pertuanis the title of the ruler of the state ofKedah.He is styledKebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia(His Royal Highness).
Sultanahis the title of the ruler's consort, of royal blood or not. She is styledKebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Tunku Ampuan(Dowager Queen) was the title of the widow of the ruler who is of royal blood. She was styledYang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Che Puan Besar(literally 'Grand Dowager') is the title of the widow if she is not of royal blood. She is styledYang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Raja Muda(literally 'Crown Prince') is the title of the heir apparent. He is styledDuli Yang Teramat Mulia(His Royal Highness).
Raja Puan Muda(literally 'Crown Princess') is the title of the consort of the heir apparent. She is styledDuli Yang Teramat Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Tunku Mahkota(literally 'Deputy Crown Prince') is the title of the second heir apparent. He is titledDuli Yang Amat Mulia(His Highness).
Tunku Puan Mahkota(literally 'Deputy Crown Princess') is the title of the consort of the second heir apparent. She is titledDuli Yang Amat Mulia(Her Highness).
The other children of the Sultan and Raja Muda are titled and styledYang Teramat Mulia(His/Her Highness) Tunku.

Kelantan

Al-Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan Kelantanis the title of the ruler of the state ofKelantan.He is styledKebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia(His Royal Highness).
Raja Perempuan Kelantan(literally 'Lady King') is the title of the consort of the Sultan if she is of royal blood. She is styledDuli Yang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Sultanah Kelantanis the title of the consort of the Sultan if she is not of royal blood. She is styledDuli Yang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Raja Perempuan(literally 'Queen Dowager') is the title of the queen dowager if she is of royal blood. She is styledYang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Tengku Mahkota Kelantan(literally 'Crown Prince') is the title of the heir apparent. He is styledYang Teramat Mulia(His Highness).
Tengku Ampuan Mahkota Kelantan(literally 'Crown Princess') is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is of royal blood. She is styledYang Teramat Mulia(Her Highness).
Che Puan Mahkota Kelantan(equivalent to 'Crown Princess') is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styledYang Teramat Mulia(Her Highness).
The other children of the Al-Sultan are titledYang Amat Mulia(His/Her Highness) Tengku. If they hold certain palace positions, they are titledYang Berhormat Mulia(His/Her Highness The Honourable) Tengku.

Pahang

Sultan and Yang di-Pertuanis the title of the ruler of the state ofPahang.He is styledKebawah Duli Paduka Baginda(His Royal Highness).
Tengku Ampuan Pahang(literally 'Queen Consort') is the title of the consort of the Sultan if she is of royal blood. She is styledKebawah Duli Paduka Baginda(Her Royal Highness).
Sultanah Pahangis the title of the consort of the Sultan if she is not of royal blood. She is styledDuli Yang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Tengku Ampuan Besar((literally 'Queen Dowager') is the title of the queen dowager if she is of royal blood. She is styled asYang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Che Puan Besar(literally 'Grand Dowager') is the title of the widow if she is not of royal blood. She is styledYang Amat Mulia(Her Highness).
Tengku Mahkota Pahang(literally 'Crown Prince') is the title of the heir apparent. He is styledKebawah Duli Paduka Mulia(His Royal Highness).
Tengku Puan Pahang(literally 'Crown Princess') is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is of royal blood. She is styledKebawah Duli Paduka Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Che Puan Pahang(equivalent to 'Princess Consort') is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styledDuli Paduka Mulia(Her Highness).
The children of the Sultan are titled and styledYang Amat Mulia(His/Her Highness) Tengku. The children of the Tengku Mahkota are titled and styledYang Mulia(His/Her Highness).
The other all descendants of the Sultan are titled Tengku.

Johor

Sultan and Yang di-Pertuanis the title of the ruler ofJohor.He is styledDuli Yang Maha Mulia(His Majesty).
Permaisuriis the customarily title for a queen consort of royal blood (direct daughter of the sultan) outside the Johor Sultanate's blood line. She is styledDuli Yang Maha Mulia(Her Majesty).
Sultanahis the title for his wife with non-royal blood or for his wife of noble birth (distant royal relatives). She is styledDuli Yang Maha Mulia(Her Majesty).
Tunku Ampuan(archaic) is the title for the consort of the Sultan if she is from a junior branch of the Johor Royal Family. She was styledDuli Yang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness). This was last used in 1895 for Tunku Ampuan Ungku Maimunah.
Tunku Puanis the title of the queen dowager of royal blood. She is styledYang Amat Mulia(Her Highness).
Enche' Besaris the title awarded to the mother of the Sultan if she is not of royal blood. She is styledYang Amat Mulia(Her Highness).
Tunku Mahkota(literally 'Crown Prince') is the title of the heir apparent. He is styledDuli Yang Amat Mulia(His Royal Highness).
Isteri Tunku Mahkota(literally 'Consort of the Crown Prince') is the title for the consort of the heir apparent. She is styledYang Amat Mulia(Her Highness).
Che' Puan Mahkota(formerlyChe’ Puan Besar) is the customarily honorific form of address for the consort of the heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styled asYang Amat Mulia(Her Highness).
Raja Muda(literally 'Younger King') is the title of the first son of the heir apparent. The situation is similar to France where during the reign ofLouis XIV,his son was titled thele Grand Dauphinand his grandson was also titledle Petit Dauphin.He is titledDuli Yang Amat Mulia(His Royal Highness).
The other children of the Sultan are titled and styledYang Amat Mulia(His/Her Highness) Tunku.
Related Royal paternal hereditary titles to Tunku,is Ungku. Denotes particular lineages of the Royal Family of Johor with the style ofYang Mulia(His/ Her Highness).

Perak

Sultan, Yang di-Pertuan dan Raja Pemerintahis the title of the ruler ofPerak.He is styledDuli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri(His Royal Highness).
Raja Perempuan Perakis the title of the consort of the ruler if she is of royal blood. She is styledDuli Yang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Raja Permaisuri Perakis the title of the consort of the ruler if she is not of royal blood. She is styledDuli Yang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Raja Puan(of royal blood) andChe’ Puan(commoner) is a title of the second wife of the ruler. She is styledYang Teramat Mulia(Her Highness).
Raja Perempuanis the title of the queen dowager if she is of royal blood. Would be granted the style ofYang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Raja Permaisuriis the title of the queen dowager is she is not of royal blood. She is styledYang Maha Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Raja Muda Perakis the title of the heir apparent. He is styledDuli Yang Teramat Mulia(His Royal Highness).
Raja Puan Besar Perakis the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is of royal blood. She is styledDuli Yang Teramat Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Che Puan Besar Perakis the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styledDuli Yang Teramat Mulia(Her Royal Highness).
Raja Di-Hilir Perakis the title of second heir apparent. He is styledDuli Yang Amat Mulia(His Highness).
Raja Puan Muda Perakis the title of the consort of the second heir apparent if she is of royal blood. She is styledDuli Yang Amat Mulia(Her Highness).
Che Puan Muda Perakis the title of the consort of the second heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styledDuli Yang Amat Mulia(Her Highness).
The other children of the Sultan andRaja Bergelaris styledYang Teramat Mulia(His/Her Highness) Raja/Engku.

Federal titles

In Malaysia, theYang di-Pertuan Agong(King of Malaysia) grants honours to recipients nominated by theGovernment of Malaysiaas awards which are honorary and non-hereditary. These honours may also be revoked by theYang di-Pertuan Agongor returned by the individual. Some of the highest honours bestowed carries with them the titles ofTun,Tan Sri,orDatuk.

There is a maximum number of Malaysian subjects who may be award-holders at any one time. These numerical limits apply only to Malaysian subjects. Foreigners may be awarded such titles in a supernumerary and honorary capacity, and may use the title locally.

Tun

TheTuntitle has existed in Malay traditional society for hundreds of years. In ancient times,Tunwas an honorific title used by noble people of royal lineage, inherited by the male descendants. Over time, theTuntitle has become a title conferred by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to the most-deserving recipient who has highly contributed to the nation.

Tunis the most senior federal title awarded to recipients of either theSeri Maharaja Mangku Negara(Grand Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm) (SMN) orSeri Setia Mahkota(Grand Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia) (SSM). However, the SMN and SSM arenot the highest federal awards,ranking fourth and fifth, respectively. There may not be more than 25 (SMN) and 35 (SSM) living holders of each of these awards respectively at any one time. The title for the wife of aTunis calledToh Puan.The recipients and their wives are then bestowed with the style ofYang Amat Berbahagiaor (The Most Felicitous).

The SMN is usually awarded to newly appointedYang di-Pertua Negeri(YDPN), and to all the retiredPrime Ministers of Malaysia,with the exception ofTunku Abdul Rahman(he is thePrinceof the state ofKedah),Najib Razak,Muhyiddin Yassin,andIsmail Sabri Yaakob.

Examples:

Yang Amat Berbahagia(The Most Felicitous)TunDr.Mahathir Mohamad;
Yang Amat Berbahagia(The Most Felicitous)TunDr.Ling Liong Sik.

Tan Sri

Tan Sriis the second-most senior federal title and a honorific, used to denote recipients of thePanglima Mangku Negara(Commander of the Order of the Defender of the Realm) (PMN) and thePanglima Setia Mahkota(Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Crown of Malaysia) (PSM). The wife of aTan Sriis calledPuan Sri.The recipients and their wives are then bestowed with the style ofYang Berbahagiaor (The Felicitous).

Examples:

Tan Sri Datuk AmarP. Ramlee
Yang Berhormat Tan Sri Dato' HajiMuhyiddin Yassin;
Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Datuk Seri PanglimaAbdul Gani Patail;
Yang Berbahagia Tan SriDrRunme Shaw,;
Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dato' SeriMichelle Yeoh;
Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dato SriDrMuhammad Shafee Abdullah.

Datuk

Datukis a federal title that has been conferred since1965.It is limited to recipients ofPanglima Jasa Negara(Commander of the Order of Meritorious Service) (PJN) andPanglima Setia Diraja(Commander of the Order of Loyalty to the Royal Family of Malaysia) (PSD). There may be up to 200 living PJN holders and 200 living PSD holders at any one time. The title of the wife of a male Datuk isDatin;women with the title can take either the titleDatinorDatuk.The recipients and their wives are then bestowed with the style ofYang Berbahagia(The Felicitous).

Examples:

Yang Berbahagia DatukLee Chong Wei;
Yang Berbahagia DatukPunch Gunalan;
Yang Berbahagia DatukAhmad Fauzi Hasan;
Yang Berbahagia DatukProf. Dr.Mohamad Akram Laldin.

Dato

In Brunei, the titleDatois now comparable to theCommonwealth'sSirand is frequently used with a great non-royal chief.^[17]

State titles

In Malaysia, state honours are awarded by the respective heads of thethirteen states.Such titles are honorary and non-hereditary. State titles may be revoked or suspended by the head of state, or may be returned by the individual. Dato' Sri or Dato' Seri (sometimes Dato’ is spelled and pronounced Datuk in some states) is the highest state title conferred by the Ruler on the most deserving recipients who have contributed greatly to the nation or state. It ranks below the federal title Tun, and is an honour equivalent to federal title Tan Sri. The wife of a recipient is Datin Sri or Datin Seri. In many cases, the number of Malaysian nationals who may hold a state title or honour at one time is limited. Such limits do not apply to foreigners.

title	awardingstate(s)	associated honour(s)	variant
Dato Sri	Sarawak	Knight Grand Commander ofMost Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak(SBS)	Pehin Sri
Dato Sri	Sarawak	Knight Commander of theMost Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak(PNBS)	Dato Sri
Dato' Seri	Kedah	Member of theSupreme Order of Sri Mahawangsa(DMK)	Dato' Seri Utama
		(SMDK)	Dato' Seri Utama
		Grand Commander of theOrder of Loyalty to Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah(SHMS)	Dato’ Seri Diraja
		Knight Grand Commander of theGlorious Order of the Crown of Kedah(SGMK)	Dato’ Seri Wira
		Knight Grand Commander of theExalted Order of the Crown of Kedah(SPMK)	Dato’ Seri
		Knight Grand Companion of theOrder of Loyalty to the Royal House of Kedah(SSDK)	Dato’ Seri
	Negeri Sembilan	Principal Grand Knight of theOrder of Loyalty to Negeri Sembilan(SUNS)	Dato’ Seri Utama
		Knight Grand Commander of theGrand Order of Tuanku Jaafar(SPTJ)	Dato’ Seri
		Grand Knight of theOrder of Loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz(SSTM)	Dato’ Seri
		Grand Knight of theOrder of Loyalty to Negeri Sembilan(SSNS)	Dato’ Seri
	Penang	Knight Grand Commander of theOrder of the Defender of State(DUPN)	Dato' Seri Utama
		Knight Commander of theOrder of the Defender of State(DPPN)	Dato' Seri
		Commander of theOrder of the Defender of State(DGPN)	Dato' Seri
	Perak	Perak Family Order of Sultan Azlan Shah(Ordinary Class) (SPSA)	Dato’ Seri Diraja
		Perak Family Order of Sultan Nazrin Shah(Ordinary Class) (SPSN)	Dato’ Seri Diraja
		Grand Knight of theAzlanii Royal Family Order(DSA)	Dato’ Seri
		Grand Knight of theOrder of Cura Si Manja Kini(SPCM)	Dato’ Seri
		Grand Knight of theOrder of Taming Sari(SPTS)	Dato’ Seri Panglima
		Knight Grand Commander of theOrder of the Perak State Crown(SPMP)	Dato’ Seri
	Perlis	Member of theOrder of Dato’ Bendahara Sri Jamalullail(DBSJ)	Dato’ Seri DiRaja Bendahara Negara
		Knight Grand Companion of theOrder of the Gallant Prince Syed Putra Jamalullail(SSPJ)	Dato’ Seri Diraja
		Knight Grand Companion of theOrder of the Gallant Prince Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail(SSSJ)	Dato’ Seri Diraja
		Knight Grand Companion of theOrder of Prince Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail of Perlis(SPSJ)	Dato’ Seri Setia DiRaja
		Knight Grand Commander of theOrder of the Crown of Perlis(SPMP)	Dato’ Seri
	Selangor	Knight Grand Commander of theOrder of the Crown of Selangor(SPMS)	Dato’ Seri
	Selangor	Knight Grand Companion of theOrder of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah(SSIS)	Dato’ Setia
	Terengganu	Knight of theOrder of Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu(SUMZ)	Dato’ Seri Utama
		Knight Grand Companion of theOrder of Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu(SSMZ)	Dato’ Seri
		Member Grand Companion of theOrder of Sultan Mahmud I of Terengganu(SSMT)	Dato’ Seri
Dato' Sri	Pahang	Grand Royal Knight of theGrand Royal Order of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang(SDSA)	Dato' Sri Diraja
		Grand Knight of theOrder of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang(SSAP)	Dato' Sri
		Grand Knight of theOrder of the Crown of Pahang(SIMP)	Dato' Indera
Datuk Seri	Federal Territory (Malaysia)	Grand Knight ofOrder of the Territorial Crown(SUMW)	Datuk Seri Utama
	Federal Territory (Malaysia)	Grand Commander ofOrder of the Territorial Crown(SMW)	Datuk Seri
	Malacca	Knight Grand Commander ofExalted Order of Malacca(DUNM)	Datuk Seri Utama
	Malacca	Grand Commander ofExalted Order of Malacca(DGSM)	Datuk Seri
	Sabah	Grand Commander ofOrder of Kinabalu(SPDK)	Datuk Seri Panglima
Dato' Sri	Sarawak	Knight Grand Commander of theOrder of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak(DP)	Dato' Patinggi
Dato' Sri	Sarawak	Knight Commander of theOrder of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak(DA)	Dato’ Amar

Dato'	Sarawak	Order of Meritorious Service to Sarawak(DJBS)	Datu’
Dato'	Sarawak	Commander of theMost Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak(PSBS)	Dato’
Dato'	Johor	Knight Grand Commander of theOrder of the Crown of Johor(SPMJ)	Dato'
		Knight Grand Companion of theOrder of Loyalty of Sultan Ismail of Johor(SSIJ)	Dato’
		Grand Knight of theOrder of Sultan Ibrahim of Johor(SMIJ)	Dato’
		Knight Commander of theOrder of the Crown of Johor(DPMJ)	Dato’
		Knight Companion of theOrder of Loyalty of Sultan Ismail of Johor(DSIJ)	Dato’
		Knight of theOrder of Sultan Ibrahim of Johor(DMIJ)	Dato’
	Kedah	Knight Commander of theOrder of Loyalty to Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah(DHMS)	Dato’ Paduka
		(DMDK)	Dato’ Diraja
		Knight Commander of theGlorious Order of the Crown of Kedah(DGMK)	Dato’ Wira
		Knight Commander of theExalted Order of the Crown of Kedah(DPMK)	Dato’
		Knight Companion of theOrder of Loyalty to the Royal House of Kedah(DSDK)	Dato’
	Kelantan	Knight Grand Commander of theOrder of the Crown of Kelantan(SPMK)	Dato’
		Knight Commander of theOrder of the Crown of Kelantan(DPMK)	Dato’
		Knight Grand Commander of theOrder of the Life of the Crown of Kelantan(SJMK)	Dato’
		Knight Commander of theOrder of the Life of the Crown of Kelantan(DJMK)	Dato’
		Knight Grand Commander of theOrder of the Noble Crown of Kelantan(SPKK)	Dato’
		Knight Commander of theOrder of the Noble Crown of Kelantan(DPKK)	Dato’
		Knight Grand Commander of theOrder of the Loyalty to the Crown of Kelantan(SPSK)	Dato’
		Knight Commander of theOrder of the Loyalty to the Crown of Kelantan(DPSK)	Dato’
		Knight Grand Commander of theOrder of the Services to the Crown of Kelantan(SPJK)	Dato’
		Knight Commander of theOrder of the Services to the Crown of Kelantan(DPJK)	Dato’
	Negeri Sembilan	Knight of theOrder of Loyalty to Negeri Sembilan(DSNS)	Dato’
		Knight Commander of theOrder of Loyalty to Negeri Sembilan(DPNS)	Dato’
		Knight Commander of theGrand Order of Tuanku Jaafar(DPTJ)	Dato’
		Knight of theOrder of Loyalty to Tuanku Muhriz(DSTM)	Dato’
		Knight of theOrder of Loyal Service to Negeri Sembilan(DBNS)	Dato’
	Pahang	Knight Companion of theOrder of Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang(DSAP)	Dato'
	Pahang	Knight Companion of theOrder of the Crown of Pahang(DIMP)	Dato'
	Penang	Companion of theOrder of the Defender of State(DMPN)	Dato'
	Penang	Officer of theOrder of the Defender of State(DSPN)	Dato'
	Perak	Knight of theOrder of Cura Si Manja Kini(DPCM)	Dato’
		Knight Commander of theOrder of Taming Sari(DPTS)	Dato’ Pahlawan
		Knight Commander of theOrder of the Perak State Crown(DPMP)	Dato’
	Perlis	Knight Companion of theOrder of the Gallant Prince Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail(DSSJ)	Dato’ Paduka
		Grand Commander of theOrder of Prince Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail of Perlis(DWSJ)	Dato’ Wira
		Knight Commander of theOrder of the Crown of Perlis(DPMP)	Dato’
		Knight Commander of theOrder of the Gallant Prince Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail(DSPJ)	Dato’
		Knight Commander of theOrder of the Gallant Prince Syed Putra Jamalullail(DPPJ)	Dato’
		Knight Commander of theOrder of Prince Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail of Perlis(DPSJ)	Dato’
	Selangor	Knight Commander of theOrder of the Crown of Selangor(DPMS)	Dato’
	Selangor	Knight Companion of theOrder of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah(DSIS)	Dato’
	Terengganu	Knight Grand Commander of theOrder of the Crown of Terengganu(SPMT)	Dato’
		Knight Companion of theOrder of Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin of Terengganu(DSMZ)	Dato’
		Member Knight Companion of theOrder of Sultan Mahmud I of Terengganu(DSMT)	Dato’
		Knight Commander of theOrder of the Crown of Terengganu(DPMT)	Dato’
Datuk	Federal Territory (Malaysia)	Knight Commander of theOrder of the Territorial Crown(PMW)	Datuk
	Malacca	Knight Commander of theExalted Order of Malacca(DCSM)	Datuk Wira
		Companion Class I of theExalted Order of Malacca(DMSM)	Datuk
		Companion Class II of theExalted Order of Malacca(DPSM)	Datuk
	Sabah	Commander of theOrder of Kinabalu(PGDK)	Datuk
	Sarawak	Grand Commander of theOrder of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak(PGBK)	Datuk

Pehin

This title is mainly used in Brunei Darussalam. An example of the title in Brunei would bePehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Di-Raja Dato Laila UtamaHaji AwangIsa,the former Minister of Home Affairs and the current Special Adviser to the Sultan of Brunei.^[18]The titles refers to thetraditional ministers posts in Brunei.^[17]

Pehin Sri

This title is mainly used inSarawak.Awarded to individuals who have been appointed as Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak or equivalent or higher. An example of the title in Sarawak would be Tun Pehin Sri HajiAbdul Taib Mahmud,Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak.

Seri Setia

This title is mainly used inMalacca.Awarded to individuals who have been appointed as Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Malacca or equivalent or higher. An example of the title in Malacca would be Tun Seri Setia (Dr.) HajiMohd Ali Rustam,Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Malacca.

JP

Justice of Peace(JP) ranks below allDato'orDatuk.In Malaysia, Justices of Peace have largely been replaced in magistrates' courts by legally-qualified (first-class) stipendiarymagistrates.However, state governments continue to appoint Justices of Peace as honours. In2004,some associations of JPs pressed the federal government to allow JPs to sit as second-class magistrates to reduce the backlog of cases in the courts.

Special cases

If a person has been awarded several honours from different states, the title used varies. For example, sometimes former Prime Minister,Mahathir Mohamadis usually referred to asYABhg Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamadanywhere in Malaysia. However, different terms of addressmaybe used in the states that he visits. In Sarawak, he will be referred to asYABhg Tun Pehin Sri Mahathir Mohamadas he received theKnight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of Sarawak(SBS) from theYang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak.While in Sabah, he is referred to asTun Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Mahathir Mohamad,as he received theGrand Commander of the Order of Kinabalu(SPDK) from theYang di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah.

Honorary styles

The following are used as styles, both before a person's title, and by themselves as forms of address:

Tuan Yang Terutama(TYT) (lit. 'The Most Eminent Master') – the style of a state governor, equivalent to 'Your/His Excellency', and also as a title for serving Ambassadors to Malaysia, e.g. T.Y.T. TuanBrian D. McFeeters.Previously, the archaic equivalent to the styleHis ExcellencywasPaduka Yang Mulia(PYM). This was used by Singapore, Indonesia, and in Malaysia; for other Republic's leaders, while the style for Governors / Yang di-Pertuas wereYang Terutama.
Yang Amat Berhormat(YAB) (lit. 'The Most Honorable') – the style of the prime minister, the deputy prime minister, thePremier of Sarawak,the chief ministers and theMenteri Besarsof the states, and Tuns who are members of parliament. It used to be 'the Right Honorable', but since Malaysia withdrew as a member of thePrivy Councilin the 1990s, the right to use 'Right Honorable' has been revoked.
Yang Berhormat(YB) (lit. 'The Honorable') – the style of members of parliament and state legislative assemblymen. The prefixYang Berhormatis also used for recipients of the First and Second Classes of theJohor's Orders of Chivalry,regardless of whether a member of parliament or not.
Yang Berhormat Mulia(YBM) (lit. 'His Highness The Honorable') - the style for a member of royalty who is also a member of parliament (e.g. Yang Berhormat MuliaTengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji,the MP forRaub). This style is also used by royals with high ranking federal titles such as Tun or Tan Sri (eg. Yang Berhormat Mulia TunRaja Uda).
Yang Amat Arif(YAA) (lit. 'The Very Wise') – the style of theChief Justice of Malaysia,thePresident of the Court of Appeal of Malaysia,theChief Judge of the High Court of Malaya,and theChief Judge of the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak.
Yang Arif(YA) (lit. 'The Wise') – the style of a judge of the Federal Court or Court of Appeal, as well a judicial commissioner or judge of the High Court of Malaya or the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak. It does not apply to session court judges or magistrates.
Yang Amat Berbahagia(YABhg) (lit. 'The Most Felicitous') – the style of persons with the titlesTunorToh Puan,and the spouses of state governors, the spouse of the prime minister, the spouse of the deputy prime minister, as well as the spouses of state chief ministers.
Yang Berbahagia(YBhg) (lit. 'The Felicitous') (and variants thereof) – the styles of persons with a chivalrous title.
Yang Hormat(YH) (lit. 'The Respect') – the style for recipients of the First and Second Classes of thePahang's Orders of Chivalry.

The English versions of these styles followBritishusage. Thus the prime minister, cabinet ministers, senators, state executive councillors and judges of the High Court and above are styled theHonorableor theRight Honorable,although technically it is asolecismto style the prime minister or heads of courtsRight Honourableas they are not members of thePrivy Councilof the United Kingdom.

Other Malay titles by inheritance

PermataorParamata,jewel or princess.
Raja Mudacrown prince or heir apparent.
Simban,literally means 'worshipped'.
Pengiran,equivalent to Tengku or Prince/Princess.
Rajaruler determined by hereditary lineage.
Tunku,Tengku,Ungku, Engku(for Johor) orprince/princess.A hereditary (paternal) title from one of the lineages of the Royal Family ofJohor,Negeri SembilanandKedahwith the style of Yang Mulia (His/ Her Highness).
Ku(forKelantan,Pattani) orPrince/Princess.A hereditary (paternal) title from one of the lineages of the Royal Family of Kelantan andPattani.Due to its colonial overtones, this title is mostly obsolete.In addition as an equivalent ofSirused in formal correspondence. When addressing an audience, the plural form 'tuan-tuan' (gentlemen) is used, usually combined as 'tuan-tuan dan puan-puan' (gentlemen and ladies).
Teuku,name of the royal lineage inherited by the male line used by the Achehnese. The titleCut,for female will be inherited if her father is a descendant of Teuku or Ulee Balang (title for king/ruler).
Raden,a royal family name used in the several Malay Sultanates inKalimantan,used extensively by thePontianak Malays.
Andi,Daeng,Tok,Pengiran, Tengku, Rajais the title of (Buginese-MalayRace andMakassarese-Malay) given to those who are descendants from the Bugis Royal Family. This title is placed as the first name, for example (Andi Sipolan bin/binti Andi Sipolan) or (Andi Sipolan bin/binti Daeng Sipolan). This title is the highest and is only given to the children who descended from the Bugis Royal family, that is if the father is the descendent from Bugis Royalty. If the mother is a descendent from the Bugis Royal Family but the father is not, meaning he has no Bugis Royal Family title, the Father is a commoner who cannot use the titleAndi,Daeng,Tok,Pengiran, Tengku, Rajafor his children. Examples of the House of Royal Buginese, (theHouse of Royal Buginese Luwu) and (theHouse of Royal Buginese Bone), (theHouse of Royal Makassarese Gowa), (theHouse of Royal Buginese Wajoq). At least one royal family inMalaysiaandBruneialso descended from Bugis Royalty.
Abang,is a title that is particularly found inSarawak.Its use is rooted in the appointments of Datuk Patinggi, Datuk Temenggung, Datuk Bandar and Datuk Imam, centuries before the British colonisation. The children of these state dignitaries carry the title Abang (male) and Dayang (female). When an Abang marries a Dayang or a commoner, the issue will get to keep the title. The issue of a Dayang does not carry a title if they have a non-Abang father. However, if a Dayang marries a male aristocrat bearing a different title than hers, her issue will be named according to the husband's given title.
Awang,is the term used for addressing men in Brunei equivalent to Mr. or as a given hereditary name amongst Sarawakian Malay. Anyone who inherited the name ofAwangkuthrough patrilineal family lineage may later claim the titlePengiransince they are also related to the Brunei Sultanate. This, however, requires the approval of elders who must consider if he is mature enough to carry the title – or once he has married. As for the rule of inheritance of the name, it is the same as Abang. This Awang title is also found in theKutaitribe in Indonesia, which is generally used by aristocratic groups and their descendants.^[19]
Dayang,is the term used for addressing women in Brunei and Kutai and it is equivalent to Ms.Dayangis also the female issue of anAbangand anAwang(see Abang and Awang).
Syed,Sharif,(Malay, English),Habib,Syarif,Sayid,(Indonesia),Sayed,(Philippines, English,Sayyid,Sharif,(Arabic), is a title inherited by male descendants, through the male line, fromMuhammadvia his grandsonsHassanandHussein.Female descendants are known asSyarifah,Habibah,Sayidah,(Indonesia),Sharifah,(Malay, English, Arabic)Sayyidah,(Arabic),Sayedah,(Philippines, English).
- Meor,is a title inherited by the male issue of a Sharifah and non-Syed father. For females, the first letter of the name comes with 'Ma' as inMa Mastura.This is typically used in Perak and few other states such as Terengganu and Kelantan.
Megat,(Malay), orPamegatorGat(Philippines), the title was historically inherited by a lineage from a royal maternal family with a commoner father.^[20]In the Philippines, this survives in common high-born surnamesGatdulaandGatsalian,along with the Order of the PhilippinesGat(similar to a knight).
- Puteri,is a title inherited by the female descendant of a Megat. In the Philippines, Puteri, commonly spelled asPutri,Potri,Potli,orPotre,is used to denote any royal princess of hereditary issue.
- Tun,is a title inherited by the issue of a Puteri, the female descendant of a Megat and a commoner father, in turn inheritable through the male line. InPahang,it is the title of a male or female descendant of a Sultan through the female line. In the upper part of Terengganu,Tunis a title inherited by descendants of the now-abolishedBendaharaof Terengganu.
Wan,is a title inherited through the male line, given to a son or a daughter of a royal-family mother who married a commoner. This is typically found in Patani, Pahang, Kelantan, Kedah, Terengganu, andNatuna-Anambas.In Kedah, Wan is the title used by descendants of certain former chief ministers of the state, e.g. the descendants of Wan Mohd Saman. Wan can also be used as the title for a girl's name, though this is uncommon, e.g.Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.Wancan also be found in Sarawak, and is somehow related to the state's Syed lineage. A female issue ofWancarries the title Sharifah. AWanmay later claim the titleTuanku.This, however, can only be done after he gains the approval of the elders and is considered mature enough to carry the title. The change is only eligible for those who inherit the nameWanfrom their family line. The issue of a Sharifah does not carry a title if he/she has a non-Wan father.
Nik,is a title inherited by the issue of a male Nik. It is typically found in Patani,Kelantan,and Terengganu.
Che,is a title inherited by the issue of a male Che descendants, and were also used by some Malay nobles in ancient time. Certain lineage of Raja Jembal descendants also uses the Che title. However the Che title can also be passed down from a descendant of a female Nik and non-Nik male. The Che title is commonly found in Pattani, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu.

Other titles

Haji(orHajjahfor female) can be used by people who have completed theHajj.This title is abbreviated as 'Hj.' or 'Hjh.'.
Tuanliterally means 'master'. Due to its colonial overtones, this term is mostly obsolete. In some states likeKelantan,PattanimeansPrince/Princess.A hereditary (paternal) title from one of the lineages of the Royal Family. In addition as an equivalent ofSir,it is used in formal correspondence. When addressing an audience, the plural form 'tuan-tuan' (gentlemen) is used, usually combined as 'tuan-tuan dan puan-puan' (gentlemen and ladies).
Encik(abbreviated 'En.') is equivalent toMr.,and can be used by all men. Warrant Officers in theSingapore Armed Forcesare also referred to asEncikinformally.
Puan(abbreviated 'Pn.') can be used by all married women. It is equivalent toMadam,notMrs.,as most married women in Malay-speaking countries do not use the names or surnames of their husbands. For married women who use their husbands' names, they can be addressed asPuan (husband's name).It is also used in formal correspondence. When addressing an audience, the plural form 'puan-puan' (ladies) is used, usually combined with 'tuan-tuan' as 'tuan-tuan dan puan-puan'.
Cikis equivalent toMiss,and can be used by all unmarried women.

Related issues

Not allDatuks have lived exemplary lives, and some have been convicted of crimes. The various rulers have recently taken steps to ensure the integrity of the institution by means of consultation and the revoking of the given titles.

Mahathir Mohamadmentioned that one of the problems with titles in Malaysia is the numbers of them given out. He stated in an interview "Personally, I feel if you want to give value to anything, it must be limited... if you produce a million Ferrari cars, nobody will care about buying a Ferrari."^[21]

The SultanNazrin Shah of Perak,stated "That is my view. You degrade the award and the Ruler has the right to revoke it. In my opinion, it should be taken away." He also stated that "Sometimes, I think we give away too many datukships... it dilutes and devalues the award."^{[This quote needs a citation]}

In the first government following the independence of Malaya in 1957, 5 of 15 cabinet Ministers were Datuks. TheMinister of Finance of Malaysiaat the time,Tan Siew Sin,held the titleJustice of Peace.Later, he was granted a Federal award which carried the titleTun.The father of Malayan independence,Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj,received no awards and carried the titleTunku,which he inherited as the prince of the state of Kedah. He was honorarily referred to asYang Teramat Mulia(YTM). TheSenateheld only 14Datuks, andHouse of Representativesheld only seven.

The Malacca government was criticised for awarding theDatuktitle to a non-Malaysian Indian actor,Shah Rukh Khan,for making movies and promoting the Malacca state internationally.^[22]

In 2024, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, SultanIbrahim Iskandar of Johor,stated "If a recipient is found to have tarnished the country’s image or commits a crime and has been punished by the court, then the award will be withdrawn. (Say) Goodbye to it." He also stated that "Accordingly, I have instructed the government to check the list of inmates in all prisons. I want any inmate with federal awards or honours to have their award withdrawn. This is only for federal awards and honours. As for awards conferred by other states, I do not interfere,".^[23]