Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek Leads 1,328 Recipients of Melaka State Honours

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek has topped the list of 1,328 recipients of Melaka state honours, decorations and medals awarded in conjunction with the 77th birthday of Yang Dipertua Negeri Melaka Tun Mohd Ali Rustam.

Fadhlina was conferred the Darjah Gemilang Seri Melaka (D.G.S.M.), an honour carrying the title Datuk Seri, during the state awards ceremony held in Melaka.

Several other prominent figures were also awarded the D.G.S.M.

They included Chief Judge of Malaya Datuk Seri Hashim Hamzah, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail, and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Chief Commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman.

Also among the recipients were Royal Malaysian Air Force Chief Gen Tan Sri Muhamad Norazlan Aris, Petronas Downstream Executive Vice-President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Sazali Hamzah, and National Silat Federation of Malaysia president Datuk Seri Megat Zulkarnain Omardin.

A total of 56 individuals received the Darjah Cemerlang Seri Melaka (D.C.S.M.), which carries the title Datuk Wira.

Among them were Benut assemblyman Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar, National Solid Waste Management Department director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Azhar Abd Hamid, and Melaka police chief Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar.

Another 14 individuals received the Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka (D.M.S.M.), which carries the title Datuk.

The recipients included Sabah Deputy State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Al Hambra Juhar, High Court judge Datuk Suria Kumar Durairaj Johnson Paul, and Third Infantry Division commander Maj Gen Datuk Sani S. Omar.

A further 189 recipients were awarded the Darjah Pangkuan Seri Melaka (D.P.S.M.), which also carries the title Datuk.

Among the notable names were Broadcasting director-general Datuk Ashwad Ismail, Media Prima Group News and Current Affairs editor Datuk Azhari Muhiddin, and singer Datuk Siti Roziana Zain, better known as Ziana Zain, who was born in Merlimau, Jasin.

The inclusion of figures from government, law enforcement, media, the corporate sector and entertainment reflects the broad range of contributions recognised by the state this year.

More Than 1,300 Honoured Across Multiple Categories

Apart from the major state orders, five individuals were appointed as Justices of the Peace, while 106 recipients were awarded the Darjah Seri Melaka (D.S.M.).

Other awards comprised:

• Bintang Cemerlang Melaka (B.C.M.) — 151 recipients
• Bintang Khidmat Terpuji (B.K.T.) — 244 recipients
• Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (P.J.K.) — 386 recipients
• Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (P.B.M.) — 161 recipients
• Pingat Khidmat Lama (P.K.L.) — five recipients.

Together, the various categories brought the total number of recipients to 1,328.

Melaka State Secretary Datuk Salhah Salleh said the awards reflected the state government’s appreciation for individuals who have contributed their service, expertise and dedication across various fields.

She said the recipients had played important roles in supporting the development, administration and well-being of Melaka.

According to Salhah, the 2026 investiture was coordinated with relevant agencies and conducted in accordance with established procedures to ensure the ceremony proceeded smoothly and safely for recipients and guests.

The honours were presented as part of celebrations marking Tun Mohd Ali Rustam’s 77th birthday.

The ceremony was held at Balai Istiadat Seri Negeri near Ayer Keroh, with Tun Mohd Ali also inspecting the main guard of honour during the official proceedings.

This year’s list highlights figures from education, the judiciary, policing, anti-corruption enforcement, the armed forces, corporate leadership, media, sports and entertainment.

With Fadhlina leading the 2026 list, the latest Melaka state honours once again serve as official recognition of individuals whose contributions span both public service and wider Malaysian society.