GEORGE TOWN - The Public Service Department director-general Datuk Dr Zulkapli Mohamed leads the list of 1,117 recipients of Penang state honours and honorary medals in conjunction with the 74th Birthday Celebration of Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak.
Zulkapli, 58, who was appointed to the position in February, former Penang High Court Judge Datuk Seri Tun Abd Majid Tun Hamzah, and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) chief executive officer Datuk Indera Baharin Din will receive the Darjah Panglima Pangkuan Negeri (DPPN) which carries the title ‘Datuk Seri’.
According to the list of recipients, Ahmad Fuzi will be awarding the Darjah Gemilang Pangkuan Negeri (DGPN) which carries the title of ‘Datuk Seri’ to 27 recipients. Among them are former Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abd Rahman, former Penang State Secretary Datuk Mohd Sayuthi Bakar, and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman and Bertam assemblyman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.
Also listed as DGPN recipients are Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk Seri Mohd Suhaily Mohd Zain, Penang Port Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Syed Mohamad Syed Murtaza, DAP veteran Phee Boon Poh, and former Wanita DAP national chairwoman Chong Eng.
Apart from the DGPN, 15 individuals will receive the Darjah Yang Mulia Pangkuan Negeri (DMPN) and 93 individuals will receive the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), both of which carry the title Datuk.
Among those listed to receive the DMPN are the Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM) director-general Dr Mohamed Azam Mohamed Adil, Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) non-executive director Datuk Brian Tan Guan Hooi, and former Penang State Islamic Religious Council president (MAINPP) Datuk Mohd Salleh Man.
Earlier, in a press conference, Penang State Legislative Assembly speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang said apart from that, 74 individuals will receive the Darjah Johan Negeri (DJN) award; the Bintang Cemerlang Negeri medal (14); the Pingat Kelakuan Terpuji medal (168); the Pingat Jasa Kebaktian medal (298); the Pingat Jasa Masyarakat (399) and the Pingat Bakti Setia (26).
He said the 74th Birthday Celebration of Yang Dipertua Negeri was supposed to be officially celebrated on July 8 but was postponed to this month to make way for the 15th state election.
The celebratory event will begin with the Guard of Honour at Dataran Sri Pinang tomorrow. The award ceremony lasts for four days at Dewan Sri Pinang, starting tomorrow until Oct 14. - BERNAMA