PENANG Governor Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas on Nov 3 conferred state awards on five recipients at a ceremony held at his residence, Anjung Mutiara.The highest award, the Darjah Gemilang Pangkuan Negeri (DGPN), was bestowed on Tzu Chi Dharma Master, Chen Yen, who was represented by Reverend De Fan at the ceremony.The award carries the title “Datuk Seri”.
In receiving the award, De Fan said Tzu Chi Association was extremely grateful to the Penang state government and the Governor for recognising its contributions to the country.
“We are joyous and jubilant for the association to be recognised worldwide. It is indeed a great honour for Master Chen Yen to receive this award,” she added.
Two other recipients were honoured with the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), which carries the title “Datuk”.
They were Ahmad Sohaimi Abdul Rahim and Mohd Ibrahim Abdul Rahman.
Ahmad, 57, from Permatang Bertam, in Kepala Batas, works at the Tabung Haji headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
He served as the state director of Penang Tabung Haji for 10 years from 2001 till 2011.Mohd Ibrahim, 61, is an advocate and solicitor in Penang.
Meanwhile, Nawawi Ishak and Bishop Charles Kumar Samuel were bestowed the Darjah Johan Negeri (DJN) award.
Nawawi, 53, from Penang, is now Perak Tabung Haji director.
Bishop Charles, 60, from Johor, was a vicar at St.George’s Church Penang in 2011, and was elected as assistant bishop, Diocese of West Malaysia, in 2014.
Among those present at the ceremony were Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, his wife Betty Chew, Deputy Chief Minister 1 Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon, Deputy Chief Minister 11 Prof. Dr. P. Ramasamy, State Secretary Datuk Seri Farizan Darus, State Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang and exco members and state assemblymembers
Governor confers titles on five recipients
