Why ‘Che Puan’ differs from ‘Che Engku', and other official terms defined
In Malaysia, Orders and Decorations are given to both men and women. A lady can be conferred the honorary titles of Dato’, Dato’ Sri or Tun, while regal titles like Tengku are used by both daughters and sons of royal descent.
See also: 6 Malaysian Royals Who Are Empowering Others
But there is a category of titles in Malaysia that do not apply to men, namely courtesy titles – Che Puan, Datin Sri and other terms that we see gracing the initials of local celebrities and members of the nobility.
So nuanced is this topic that protocol and etiquette specialist Dato' Paduka Noor Aini Datuk Abdullah has authored two books on it.
“Malaysian titles and proper forms of address rate among the most complex aspects of official protocol,” she notes. “On the other hand, these kaleidoscopic forms of address are what make our local customs, traditions and etiquette the fascinating subject matter that it is,”
Related: 'Tengku' or 'Tunku'? How To Properly Use Malaysian Honorary Titles
The eloquent voice behind Malaysian Customs & Etiquette - A Practical Handbook and co-author of Malaysian Protocol and Correct Forms of Address sets the record straight on how and where these official terms are properly used.