9Dr.
Dr is a Personal Title most people know, especially when we fall sick. The title Doctor originates from a Latin word meaning “to teach”.
A Doctor is someone who practices medicine and be a physician (GP), surgeon, dentist or veterinarian.
A Doctor can also be someone who obtained a doctorate level degree such as PhD
Greeting: Dr. Tan, Dr. Ahmad, Dr. John
8Prof.
A Professor is the highest academic ranking as a teacher. A professor lectures in university / college.
Greeting: Prof Tan or Professor Tan
7Datuk
A state given title in Malaysia in honour of achievements or contribution
Greeting: Datuk Ahmad, Datuk Tan
Datin: Wife of Datuk
6Tan Sri
The second highest title awarded in Malaysia. There are 2 types of award with a maximum of 325 living Tan Sri.
Panglima Mangku Negara (PMN): 75
Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM): 250
Puan Sri: Wife of a Tan Sri
Greeting: Tan Sri Ahmad
5Tun
The highest title awarded in Malaysia. There can only be a maximum of 35 living Tun for Malaysians. Foreigners can also be awarded Tun.
Famous Tun: Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Prime Minister for Malaysia 1981 to 2003
Toh Puan: Wife of Tun
Greeting: Tun Ahmad
4Tengku
Prince or Princess in Malaysia
Greeting: Tengku Ahmad
3Agong
Agong is the King of Malaysia. The full title is Yang di-Pertuan Agong. As there is only 1 King each time, most of us will never get to see him personally.
The King’s wife is known as Raja Permaisuri Agong. In English, the King and Queen are known as “His Majesty” and “Her Majesty”.
Full Greeting: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku* + full name
* Tuanku means Sultan / Ruler of State. In Malaysia, there are 13 states of which 9 are eligible for election to be the King of Malaysia.
2Pak or Bapak
Greeting an elder (man) in Indonesia. It means “Father” or “Sir”
For example, Pak John, Pak Santoso, Pak Jokowi, Bapak.
1Ibu
Greeting an elder (female) in Indonesia. It means “Mother” or “Madam”
For example, Ibu Mary, Ibu Megawati
