SHAH ALAM: Former Selangor Menteri Besar Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo said he had returned the Selangor State Award which carries the title ‘Dato Seri’ temporarily.
Dr Mohamad Khir wrote in his blog, http://www.drkhir.com , yesterday that he decided to return the title after he was charged in court for corruption involving two lots of land and a luxury house at Section 7, here.
He said that in mid-December last year, he had sent a letter to the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah to return the state award, Seri Paduka Mahkota Selangor (S.P.M.S), which carries the title Dato Seri, temporarily.
“Today, the (Selangor) Royal Council had consented to the return of the award.
“The return of the title is to avoid the state award from being tainted by any embarrassment during the trial (on the case),” he said.
Dr Mohamad Khir, who is also the State Assemblyman for Sungai Panjang, said following the return of the title, all media and programme organisers must drop the title Dato Seri and instead use the name Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo only.
In December last year, Dr Mohamad Khir, 45, pleaded not guilty and claimed trial to the charge that he had obtained for himself and his wife, Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik, 45, a valuable item in return for two lots of land and a bungalow No 8 and 10, Jalan Suasa 7/1 L, Section 7, Shah Alam, from Ditamas Sdn Bhd through its director, Shamsuddin Hayroni, at a price of RM3.5 million, whereas the real estate was purchased by Ditamas on Dec 23, 2004 at a price of RM6.5 million. — Bernama
Dr Mohamad Khir succeeded Tan Sri Abu Hassan Omar as the 13th Selangor Menteri Besar from August 2000 until February 2008.
He had also stepped down as the Opposition Leader in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly on Dec 8. — Bernama