Veteran newsman A Kadir Jasin has described the decision of five ministers to accept the 'Datuk' title awards as "unintelligent".
Kadir said while some of these leaders have struggled for a long time, the people are judging them based on their performance as Pakatan Harapan ministers.
"It gives a picture that there is no difference between Harapan ministers and BN leaders who are obsessed with titles and riches.
"The people are annoyed. Debate on social media shows the majority do not agree and are even sickened by their acceptance of the awards," he said in a blog posting today.
Kadir is a Bersatu supreme council member and also special adviser on media affairs to the prime minister but he made this comment in his personal capacity.
Five ministers had received the Darjah Gemilang Seri Melaka award, which carries the title of "Datuk Seri", last Saturday, in conjunction with the 80th birthday of Malacca governor Mohd Khalil Yaakob.
They are Rural and Regional Development Minister Rina Harun, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad, Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof (photo), Domestic Trade, Consumerism and Cooperatives Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mujahid Yusof Rawa.
Kadir said he agreed with the position of DAP, which had reprimanded its leaders for accepting the titles and reiterated the position that they can only do so after retirement.
However, he noted that there had been differing positions on the matter, including a Bersatu activist who had circulated a WhatsApp message accusing the DAP of protesting against the Malay rulers.
Kadir added there was also another message circulated by a "Tun" who questioned what contribution the ministers had done in just four months to deserve the titles.
"I strongly agree with the old man who carries the title of 'Tun'. However you measure it, the actions of the five ministers to accept to awards from Malacca were unintelligent," he said.
Kadir said if the ministers were "sensitive" or "better than BN leaders", they would take cognisance of the new environment.
"We are restructuring our priorities and political actions. Our every move is being watched," he said.
Kadir said the issue is not about protesting against the Malay rulers but focusing on serving the people.
