Malay styles and titles

The Malay language has a complex system of styles, titles and honorifics which are used extensively in Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Singapore.
Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, few provinces in the Philippines and several provinces in Indonesia regularly award honorary and life titles. 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 titles can be granted to both men and women. Every title has a form of address which 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.

Former usage

Singapore, whose Malay royalty was abolished by the British colonial government in 1891, has adopted civic titles for its leaders. However, when the officials and leaders who were bestowed the Malay titles by Malaysia and Brunei, the title will be only referred to on their visit to the title's state's local media.
Much of the Philippines was historically accustomed to the usage of Malay titles by its royals and nobles, such as Raja Sulayman and Dayang Kalangitan in Luzon. Malay titles are still prominently used by the royal houses of Sulu and Maguindanao among other noble lineages in Mindanao in preservation of genealogies. Officially, the republic does not grant royal or noble titles according to the 1987 Constitution.
Indonesia, meanwhile, as a republic, does not recognise hereditary rulers and aristocratic systems outside of Yogyakarta.

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, Haji/Hajah, name.
For instance, in Brunei, the Wazir is a group of royal nobles, namely one of the royal princes who is gahara, are the second-highest official post in the nation, right behind the Sultan. Following this, the Cheteria, only bestowed upon the Pengiran, who perform specific jobs and are ranked above the Manteri, a group of non-royal nobles. An example of a Manteri would be the former police commissioner of Brunei, Hasrin Sabtu, whose honorary title would be Yang Dimuliakan, noble rank is Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam, state title is Dato Paduka Seri and traditional Bruneian prefix title for non-royalty is Awang.
When in the home state, the state title may precede the federal title. An example is the current Premier of Sarawak, Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Abang Openg, whose federal title is Tan Sri, whose state title is Datuk Patinggi and Bruniean title is Dato Seri Setia. His title will be expressed as either:

Yang Amat Berhormat Tan Sri Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg
Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.
Yang Amat Berhormat Tan Sri Dato Seri Setia Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.

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. As an example, the current Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim will be titled as follows:

Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim
Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Anwar bin Ibrahim
Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Seri Utama Anwar bin Ibrahim
Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Seri Diraja Anwar bin Ibrahim

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 Mulia General Tengku Dato' al-Haj.

Malay royalty

The following titles are hereditary and reserved for the royal families of Brunei and nine royal states of Malaysia.

Brunei

According to royal customs established during the reign of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, and based on knowledge passed down by elders, any name, rank, title, position, or honorific must be preceded by a terasul before 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. Incorrect usage can cause discomfort or be perceived as disrespectful, emphasising the importance of adhering to these formal protocols.
Terasul for the Sultan:

Before reaching puberty: Kebawah Duli Sultan.
Before the coronation: Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Sultan.
After the coronation: Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan.
After the coronation and performing the Hajj: Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan.
Upon abdication: Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan.
Upon abdication after performing the Hajj: Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Haji.

Terasul for the Sultan's wife:

Before being honoured: Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Isteri.
After being honoured: Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Raja Isteri.
After being honoured and performing Hajj: Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah.
Second wife of the Sultan before his coronation: Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Raja.
Second wife of the Sultan after his coronation: Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Isteri.
Sultan's wife from common lineage: Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Isteri or Pengiran Bini.
After abdication from the throne: Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Suri Seri Begawan Raja.

Terasul for the and his wife:

Before performing the obligatory Hajj: Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota.
After performing the obligatory Hajj: Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji.
Wife of the Pengiran Muda Mahkota: Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri.
Wife of the Pengiran Muda Mahkota from common lineage: After being officially declared and granted the title of either Pengiran Isteri, Pengiran Bini, or any other title, her terasul depends on the bestowed honour.

Terasul for the gahara son of Sultan and his wife:

Gahara son of Sultan: Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Duli Pengiran Muda.
If he becomes a Wazir: Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda.
Wife of the gahara son of Sultan: Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri.
Wife of the gahara son of Sultan from common lineage: After being officially declared and granted the title of either Pengiran Isteri, Pengiran Bini, or any other title, her terasul depends on the bestowed honour.

Terasul for the gahara daughter of Sultan:

For the gahara daughter of Sultan: Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Puteri.
If married to a Wazir or Cheteria: Same as above, preceded by the phrase isteri kepada.

Terasul for the children of gahara son of Sultan:

For the male child of a gahara son: Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda.
For the female child of a gahara son: Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak.

Terasul for the children of gahara daughter of Sultan:

For the male child of a gahara daughter: Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak.
For the female child of a gahara daughter: Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak.

Terasul of the mother of :Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Babu Raja.

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

Terasul of the non-gahara children of Sultan:Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak.
Terasul of the non-gahara grandchildren of Sultan:Yang Mulia Pengiran Anak.
Terasul of the Perdana Wazir and his wife:

If he is the gahara son of the Sultan: Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Perdana Wazir Sahibul Himmah Wal-Waqar.
If he is the non-gahara son of the Sultan: Yang Teramat Mulia Seri Paduka Pengiran Perdana Wazir Sahibul Himmah Wal-Waqar.
The Duli Pengiran Perdana Wazir's wife from Pengiran lineage: Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri, wife of Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Perdana Wazir Sahibul Himmah Wal-Waqar.
The Pengiran Perdana Wazir's wife from Pengiran lineage: Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Isteri.
The Duli Pengiran Perdana Wazir or Pengiran Perdana Wazir's wife from common lineage: The terasul is decreed, subject to the Sultan's grant.

Terasul of the Wazir and his wife:

Pengiran Bendahara: Yang Teramat Mulia Seri Paduka Pengiran Bendahara Seri Maharaja Permaisuaras.
Pengiran Di-Gadong: Yang Teramat Mulia Seri Paduka Pengiran Di-Gadong Sahibul Mal.
Pengiran Pemancha: Yang Teramat Mulia Seri Paduka Pengiran Pemancha Sahibul Rae' Wal-Mashuarah.
Pengiran Temenggong: Yang Teramat Mulia Seri Paduka Pengiran Temenggong Sahibul Bahar.
If the Wazir is a son of the Sultan and his wife is from Pengiran lineage: Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri.
If all of Wazir's wives from Pengiran lineage: Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Bini.
If the Wazir's wife from a common lineage: Yang Mulia. Wife of Yang Teramat Mulia Seri Paduka Pengiran Bendahara, Pengiran Di-Gadong, Pengiran Pemancha or Pengiran Temenggong, unless there is a special decree.

Terasul of the Cheteria and his wife:

Cheteria: Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran.
Wife of Cheteria if she is from Pengiran Peranakan Bertaras: Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran.
Wife of Cheteria if she is from Pengiran or common lineages: Yang Mulia, wife of Pengiran.

Terasul of the gahara male and female child of Wazir:

For the male child of Duli Pengiran Perdana Wazir or Wazir : Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda.
If female: Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak.
For the gahara male child of Pengiran Perdana Wazir : Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak.
For the gahara male child of Wazir : Yang Mulia Pengiran Anak.
For the non-gahara child of Wazir: Yang Mulia Pengiran.

Terasul of the children of Cheteria:

For the gahara children of Cheteria : Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak.
For the gahara and non-gahara child of Cheteria: Yang Mulia Pengiran.

Terasul of the gahara of Pengiran Anak:

For the children of Pengiran Anak whose wife is a Pengiran Anak: Yang Mulia Pengiran Anak.
For the children of Pengiran Anak whose wife is not a Pengiran Anak: Yang Mulia Pengiran.

Terasul of the Pengiran Kebanyakan:

For a male or female, whether gahara or not: Yang Mulia Pengiran.

Terasul of the Manteri:

For the Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja: Yang Dimuliakan Lagi Dihormati.
For the Pehin Datu Perdana Manteri: Yang Dimuliakan Lagi Dihormati.
For the Pehin Orang Kaya Di-Gadong and Pehin Orang Kaya Di-Gadong Seri Lela: Yang Dimuliakan Lagi Dihormati.
For the Pehin Manteri Berchiri: Yang Dimuliakan.
For the Manteri Bertauliah: Yang Mulia.

Terasul of the senior government officials:

For the cabinet ministers: Yang Berhormat.
For the members of the Council of Ministers: According to the respective title and position.
For the high commissioners or ambassadors: Tuan Yang Terutama.

Malaysia

Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia 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 of Allah. However, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong also uses the prefix 'Seri Paduka Baginda' 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 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 as Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda.
Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong 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 as Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Raja Permaisuri Agong is the official title of the consort of the ruler of Malaysia. The title is often glossed 'Queen' in English. She is styled as Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda.
Yang di-Pertua Negeri is not a royal title, but the title of 'The Head of the State' for the state of Penang, Melaka, Sabah, and Sarawak, which do not have hereditary rulers. Yang di-Pertua Negeri is installed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The title is sometimes translated as 'Governor' in English. They are styled Tuan/Puan Yang Terutama.

Negeri Sembilan

Yamtuan Besar, officially Yang di-Pertuan Besar is the title of the ruler of Negeri Sembilan. He is styled as Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Tunku Ampuan Besar is the title of the queen consort of royal parentage for Negeri Sembilan. She is styled as Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Che' Ampuan Besar is the title of the queen consort of non-royal blood. She is styled as Duli Yang Teramat Mulia.
Tunku Ampuan is the title of the queen dowager. She is styled as Yang Maha Mulia.
Tunku Puan Besar is the title of the senior queen dowager. She is styled Yang Maha Mulia.
The children of rulers have the title and style of Yang Amat Mulia Tunku.
The fiefs of the state, the Undangs are for the areas of Jelebu, Johol, Sungai Ujong, and Rembau. They are all styled Yang Teramat Mulia. Their spouses are titled Tok Puan with the style Yang Mulia.
The Tunku Besar of Tampin, a semi-autonomous area ruled by the Al-Qadri family. He is styled Yang Teramat Mulia. His spouse is accorded the title of Tunku Isteri and Cik Puan Isteri with the style of Yang Mulia.
The Tunku Besar of Seri Menanti is the title of eldest son of the Yang di-Pertuan Besar. He is styled Yang Amat Mulia.

Selangor

Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan is the title of the ruler of Selangor. He is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia. The style is also the title of the state anthem.
Tengku Ampuan Selangor is the title of the queen consort of royal parentage. She is styled as Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Tengku Permaisuri Selangor is the title for queen consort of non-royal blood. She is styled as Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Che' Puan Besar Selangor is the title for second consort of the ruler if he is still marries with queen consort. She is styled as Yang Teramat Mulia.
Tengku Ampuan is the title of the queen dowager is she of royal blood. She is styled as Yang Maha Mulia.
Paduka Bonda Raja is the title of the Sultan's mother who was not installed as a Tengku Ampuan. She is styled as Yang Maha Mulia.
Permaisuri is the title of the queen dowager if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Yang Amat Mulia.
Raja Muda Selangor is the title of the heir apparent. He is then styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia.
Raja Puan Muda Selangor is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia.
Che' Puan Muda Selangor is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Yang Teramat Mulia.
The other children of the Sultan is titled and styled Yang Amat Mulia Tengku.
The palace dignitaries or Orang Besar Istana whom are responsible for any engagement involving the palace is titled and styled as Yang Dimuliakan Tengku. His spouse is accorded the honorific prefix of To’ Puan.

Perlis

Raja and Yang di-Pertuan is the title of the ruler of Perlis. He is styled as Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Raja Perempuan is the title of the queen consort of Perlis. She is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Raja Perempuan Besar is the title of the queen dowager. She is styled Yang Maha Mulia.
Raja Muda is the title of the heir apparent. He is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia.
Raja Puan Muda is the title of the consort of the heir apparent. She is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia.
The other children of the Raja and Raja Muda are styled as Yang Amat Mulia Syed/Sharifah, with the suffix house name of Jamalullail.

Terengganu

Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan is the title of the ruler of the state of Terengganu. He is styled Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Tengku Ampuan Besar is the title of the queen consort of the state for queens of royal blood. She is styled as Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Permaisuri is the title of the queen consort if she is not of royal blood initially used by Sultanah Nur Zahirah until it was changed by Sultan Mizan. A Permaisuri is styled Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Sultanah is a customarily title that is awarded to the consort of the Sultan. She is styled Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Tengku Ampuan is the title of the Queen dowager. She is styled as Yang Maha Mulia.
Tengku Ampuan Tua is the title of the senior queen dowager. She is styled as Yang Maha Mulia.
Tengku Besar is the title of the Sultan's mother if she has not been crowned. She is styled as Yang Teramat Mulia.
Yang di-Pertuan Muda is the title of the heir apparent. He is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia.
Tengku Puan Muda is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia.
To' Puan Seri is the honorific form of address for the consort of the heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Yang Amat Berbahagia.
The other children of the Sultan is styled and titled Yang Amat Mulia Tengku.

Kedah

Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan is the title of the ruler of the state of Kedah. He is styled Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Sultanah is the title of the ruler's consort, of royal blood or not. She is styled Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Tunku Ampuan was the title of the widow of the ruler who is of royal blood. She was styled Yang Maha Mulia.
Che Puan Besar is the title of the widow if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Yang Maha Mulia.
Raja Muda is the title of the heir apparent. He is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia.
Raja Puan Muda is the title of the consort of the heir apparent. She is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia.
Tunku Mahkota is the title of the second heir apparent. He is titled Duli Yang Amat Mulia.
Tunku Puan Mahkota is the title of the consort of the second heir apparent. She is titled Duli Yang Amat Mulia.
The other children of the Sultan and Raja Muda are titled and styled Yang Teramat Mulia Tunku.

Kelantan

Al-Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan Kelantan is the title of the ruler of the state of Kelantan. He is styled Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Raja Perempuan Kelantan is the title of the consort of the Sultan if she is of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Sultanah Kelantan is the title of the consort of the Sultan if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Raja Perempuan is the title of the queen dowager if she is of royal blood. She is styled Yang Maha Mulia.
Tengku Mahkota Kelantan is the title of the heir apparent. He is styled Yang Teramat Mulia.
Tengku Ampuan Mahkota Kelantan is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is of royal blood. She is styled Yang Teramat Mulia.
Che Puan Mahkota Kelantan is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Yang Teramat Mulia.
The other children of the Al-Sultan are titled Yang Amat Mulia Tengku. If they hold certain palace positions, they are titled Yang Berhormat Mulia Tengku.

Pahang

Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan is the title of the ruler of the state of Pahang. He is styled Kebawah Duli Paduka Baginda.
Tengku Ampuan Pahang is the title of the consort of the Sultan if she is of royal blood. She is styled Kebawah Duli Paduka Baginda.
Sultanah Pahang is the title of the consort of the Sultan if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Tengku Ampuan Besar is the title of the queen dowager if she is of royal blood. She is styled as Yang Maha Mulia.
Che Puan Besar is the title of the widow if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Yang Amat Mulia.
Tengku Mahkota Pahang is the title of the heir apparent. He is styled Kebawah Duli Paduka Mulia.
Tengku Puan Pahang is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is of royal blood. She is styled Kebawah Duli Paduka Mulia.
Che Puan Pahang is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Kebawah Duli Paduka Mulia.
The children of the Sultan are titled and styled Yang Amat Mulia Tengku. The children of the Tengku Mahkota are titled and styled Yang Mulia.
The other all descendants of the Sultan are titled Tengku.

Johor

Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan is the title of the ruler of Johor. He is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Permaisuri is the customarily title for a queen consort of royal blood outside the Johor Sultanate's blood line. She is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Sultanah is the title for his wife with non-royal blood or for his wife of noble birth. She is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Tunku Ampuan is the title for the consort of the Sultan if she is from a junior branch of the Johor Royal Family. She was styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia. This was last used in 1895 for Tunku Ampuan Ungku Maimunah.
Tunku Puan is the title of the queen dowager of royal blood. She is styled Yang Amat Mulia.
Enche' Besar is the title awarded to the mother of the Sultan if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Yang Amat Mulia.
Tunku Mahkota is the title of the heir apparent. He is styled Duli Yang Amat Mulia.
Isteri Tunku Mahkota is the title for the consort of the heir apparent. She is styled Yang Amat Mulia.
Che' Puan Mahkota is the customarily honorific form of address for the consort of the heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styled as Yang Amat Mulia.
Raja Muda is the title of the first son of the heir apparent. The situation is similar to France where during the reign of Louis XIV, his son was titled the le Grand Dauphin and his grandson was also titled le Petit Dauphin. He is titled Duli Yang Amat Mulia.
The other children of the Sultan are titled and styled Yang Amat Mulia Tunku.
Related Royal paternal hereditary titles to Tunku, is Ungku. Denotes particular lineages of the Royal Family of Johor with the style of Yang Mulia.

Perak

Sultan, Yang di-Pertuan dan Raja Pemerintah is the title of the ruler of Perak. He is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri.
Raja Perempuan Perak is the title of the consort of the ruler if she is of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Raja Permaisuri Perak is the title of the consort of the ruler if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Maha Mulia.
Che Puan Negara is the title of the second wife of the ruler. She is styled Yang Teramat Mulia.
Raja Perempuan is the title of the queen dowager if she is of royal blood. Would be granted the style of Yang Maha Mulia.
Raja Permaisuri is the title of the queen dowager is she is not of royal blood. She is styled Yang Maha Mulia.
Raja Muda Perak is the title of the heir apparent. He is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia.
Raja Puan Besar Perak is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia.
Che Puan Besar Perak is the title of the consort of the heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Teramat Mulia.
Raja Di-Hilir Perak is the title of second heir apparent. He is styled Duli Yang Amat Mulia.
Raja Puan Muda Perak is the title of the consort of the second heir apparent if she is of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Amat Mulia.
Che Puan Muda Perak is the title of the consort of the second heir apparent if she is not of royal blood. She is styled Duli Yang Amat Mulia.
The other children of the Sultan and Raja Bergelar is styled Yang Teramat Mulia Raja/Engku.

Federal titles

In Malaysia, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong grants honours to recipients nominated by the Government of Malaysia as awards which are honorary and non-hereditary. These honours may also be revoked by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or returned by the individual. Some of the highest honours bestowed carries with them the titles of Tun, Tan Sri, or Datuk.
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

The Tun title has existed in Malay traditional society for hundreds of years. In ancient times, Tun was an honorific title used by noble people of royal lineage, inherited by the male descendants. Over time, the Tun title has become a title conferred by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to the most-deserving recipient who has highly contributed to the nation.
Tun is the most senior federal title awarded to recipients of either the Seri Maharaja Mangku Negara or Seri Setia Mahkota . However, the SMN and SSM are not the highest federal awards, ranking fourth and fifth, respectively. There may not be more than 25 and 35 living holders of each of these awards respectively at any one time. The title for the wife of a Tun is called Toh Puan. The recipients and their wives are then bestowed with the style of Yang Amat Berbahagia or.
The SMN is usually awarded to newly appointed Yang di-Pertua Negeri, and to all the retired Prime Ministers of Malaysia, with the exception of Tunku Abdul Rahman, Najib Razak, Muhyiddin Yassin, and Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Examples:

Yang Amat Berbahagia ''Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad ;
Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun'' Dr. Ling Liong Sik.

Tan Sri

Tan Sri is the second-most senior federal title and a honorific, used to denote recipients of the Panglima Mangku Negara and the Panglima Setia Mahkota . The wife of a Tan Sri is called Puan Sri. The recipients and their wives are then bestowed with the style of Yang Berbahagia or.
Examples:Tan Sri Datuk Amar P. Ramlee

Yang Berhormat Tan Sri Dato' Haji Muhyiddin Yassin ;
Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Abdul Gani Patail ;
Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dr Runme Shaw, ;
Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dato' Seri Michelle Yeoh ;
Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Shafee Abdullah.

Datuk

Datuk is a federal title that has been conferred since 1965. It is limited to recipients of Panglima Jasa Negara and Panglima Setia Diraja . 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 is Datin; women with the title can take either the title Datin or Datuk. The recipients and their wives are then bestowed with the style of Yang Berbahagia.
Examples:

Yang Berbahagia Datuk Lee Chong Wei ;
Yang Berbahagia Datuk Punch Gunalan ;
Yang Berbahagia Datuk Ahmad Fauzi Hasan;
Yang Berbahagia Datuk Prof. Dr. Mohamad Akram Laldin.

Dato

In Brunei, the title Dato is now comparable to the Commonwealth's Sir and is frequently used with a great non-royal chief.

State titles

In Malaysia, state honours are awarded by the respective heads of the thirteen 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 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.

Pehin

This title is mainly used in Brunei Darussalam. An example of the title in Brunei would be Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Di-Raja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa, the former Minister of Home Affairs and the current Special Adviser to the Sultan of Brunei. The titles refers to the traditional ministers posts in Brunei.

Pehin Sri

This title is mainly used in Sarawak. 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 Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud, Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak.

Seri Setia

This title is mainly used in Malacca. 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 Haji Mohd Ali Rustam, Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Malacca.

JP

Justice of Peace ranks below all Dato or Datuk. In Malaysia, Justices of Peace have largely been replaced in magistrates' courts by legally-qualified stipendiary magistrates. However, state governments continue to appoint Justices of Peace as honours. In 2004, 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 Mohamad is usually referred to as YABhg Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad anywhere in Malaysia. However, different terms of address may be used in the states that he visits. In Sarawak, he will be referred to as YABhg Tun Pehin Sri Mahathir Mohamad as he received the Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of Sarawak from the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak. While in Sabah, he is referred to as Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, as he received the Grand Commander of the Order of Kinabalu from the Yang 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 – 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. Tuan Brian D. McFeeters. Previously, the archaic equivalent to the style His Excellency. This was used by Singapore, Indonesia, and in Malaysia; for other Republic's leaders, while the style for Governors / Yang di-Pertuas were Tuan Yang Terutama.
Yang Amat Berhormat – the style of the prime minister, the deputy prime minister, the Premier of Sarawak, the chief ministers and the Menteri Besars of the states, and Tuns who are members of parliament. It used to be 'the Right Honorable', but since Malaysia withdrew as a member of the Privy Council in the 1990s, the right to use 'Right Honourable' has been revoked.
Yang Berhormat – the style of members of parliament and state legislative assemblymen. The prefix Yang Berhormat is also used for recipients of the First and Second Classes of the Johor's Orders of Chivalry who is titled Dato' for men and Datin Paduka for women, regardless of whether a member of parliament or not.
Yang Berhormat Mulia - the style for a member of royalty who is also a member of parliament. This style is also used by royals with high ranking federal titles such as Tun.
Yang Amat Arif – the style of the Chief Justice of Malaysia, the President of the [Court of Appeal of Malaysia], the Chief Judge of [the High Court of Malaya], and the Chief Judge of the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak.
Yang Arif – 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 – the style of persons with the titles Tun or Toh 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 – the styles of persons with a chivalrous title.
Yang Hormat – the style for recipients of the First and Second Classes of the Pahang's Orders of Chivalry.
Yang Dihormati -- The wife of a recipient of a Johor state honour conferred by the Sultan of Johor, whose husband is titled The Honourable Dato' for example, The Respected Datin whose wife name followed by Dato' her husband name or Datin her husband surname, after her name.

The English versions of these styles follow British usage. Thus the prime minister, cabinet ministers, senators, state executive councillors and judges of the High Court and above are styled the Honorable or the Right Honorable, although technically it is a solecism to style the prime minister or heads of courts Right Honourable as they are not members of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom.

Noble Inherited Titles

Malay noble titles are family hereditary titles which signify an individual’s social rank, lineage, and connection to ruling families within Malay society. Socially, they function as markers of identity and precedence as these titles are naturally used by Malay royal and aristocratic families.
legally, the rights to use these titles are regulated by state authority and restricted to only individuals within the families. A title is put before a name eg., Megat Iskandar
Inheritance follows a paternal mechanism, whereby titles are transmitted through the male line. Accordingly, a marriage between a titled female and a non-titled male may result in their children bearing a lower title or cease to be passed down depending on the rank of the female's title.

Raja, royal title inherited by the children of a royal father with the title Raja used by members of the Perak Royal Family. Engku is often used to politely address senior members of the Perak Royal Family.
Tunku, Tengku, royal title inherited through a royal father with such title used by members of the Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Selangor, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan and Kedah Royal Familes.
Pengiran, royal title equivalent to Tengku/Raja, inherited through a royal father and used by members of Brunei Royal Family.
Megat, noble title inherited by the male children of a royal female titled Raja/Tengku with a commoner husband. This title is used by Perak royalties indicating aristocrats with royal ancestry. The sons of a Megat have the right to inherit this title, but daughters of a Megat:
*Puteri, female version title equivalent to Megat. Inherited by female children of a royal female titled Raja/Tengku and a commoner husband. Additionally, the female children of a Megat will also inherit the title Puteri. When a Puteri marries a non-titled or commoner:
**Tun, is a title inherited by the children through the marriage of a Puteri and a commoner. This title is the last to be passed down through a female line. The children of a female Tun and a commoner husband will inherit no more title. In Pahang, it is the title of a male or female descendant of a Sultan through the female line.
Syed, is a title inherited by male descendants, through the male line, from Prophet Muhammad SAW via his grandsons Hassan and Hussein. This title is also used by the members of Perlis Royal Family, House of Jamullail, tracing the House's lineage back to the Prophet SAW.
*Sharifah, is the female version of Syed, inherited by female descendants of a Syed.
**Meor is a title inherited by the male children of a Sharifah with a non-Syed husband.
Wan, historically a title granted to high-ranking nobilities eg., army chiefs, ministers, during the 16th century in Kedah, Pahang and some parts of Kelantan. Some families are able to retain this title until today, indicating their distant noble lineage. This title is inherited by the children of a male Wan. The children of a female Wan and a non-Wan husband will inherit no title.
Nik, historically a title used only by Kelanatanese high-ranking nobilities and some royalties in the 16th century Kelantan. Modern day Kelantanese royalties have changed their title into Tengku since the 18th century. The Nik family of Kelantan still retains this title in their names. This title is inherited by the children of male Nik. The children of a female Nik and a non-Nik husband will inherit no title.

Other titles

Haji can be used by people who have completed the Hajj. This title is abbreviated as 'Hj.' or 'Hjh.'.
Tuan literally means 'master'. Due to its colonial overtones, this term is mostly obsolete. In some states like Kelantan, Pattani means Prince / Princess. A hereditary title from one of the lineages of the Royal Family. In addition Tuan as an equivalent of Sir, it is used in formal correspondence. When addressing an audience, the plural form 'tuan-tuan' is used, usually combined as 'tuan-tuan dan puan-puan'.
Encik is equivalent to Mr., and can be used by all men. Warrant Officers in the Singapore Armed Forces are also referred to as Encik informally.
Puan can be used by all married women. It is equivalent to Madam, not Mrs., 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 as Puan . It is also used in formal correspondence. When addressing an audience, the plural form 'puan-puan' is used, usually combined with 'tuan-tuan' as 'tuan-tuan dan puan-puan'.
Cik is equivalent to Miss, and can be used by all unmarried women.

Related issues

Not all Datuks 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 Mohamad mentioned 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."
The Sultan Nazrin 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."
In the first government following the independence of Malaya in 1957, 5 of 15 cabinet Ministers were Datuks. The Minister of Finance of Malaysia at the time, Tan Siew Sin, held the title Justice of Peace. Later, he was granted a Federal award which carried the title Tun. The father of Malayan independence, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, received no awards and carried the title Tunku, which he inherited as the prince of the state of Kedah. He was honorarily referred to as Yang Teramat Mulia. The Senate held only 14 Datuks, and House of Representatives held only seven.
The Malacca government was criticised for awarding the Datuk title to a non-Malaysian Indian actor, Shah Rukh Khan, for making movies and promoting the Malacca state internationally.
In 2024, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim 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. 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,".

Johor

The Sultan of Johor revoked the titles of four Dato's in 2010.

Negeri Sembilan

In 2018, the Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan revoked the state honours bestowed upon Mohammad Najib Abdul Razak and his wife, Rosmah Mansor.

Pahang

The Sultan of Pahang revoked the titles of two Dato's in 2004.

Selangor

The Dato's of Selangor attempted to set up an association of Selangor Dato's. It received approval from the registrar of societies, but was shelved when the Sultan forbade any Dato' from joining or otherwise risk losing their title.
Four Datuks were removed in 2003 by the Sultan of Selangor.
Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim had his title revoked by the Sultan of Selangor on 3 November 2014.
In 2019, the Sultan of Selangor revoked the state honours bestowed upon Najib Razak and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, on 12 September 2022.