Kelantan:Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has made history as the first individual from the Indian community to be awarded the Darjah Kebesaran Jiwa Mahkota Kelantan Yang Amat Mulia (SJMK), an honor established in 1925.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the investiture ceremony was part of the 57th birthday celebrations of Sultan Muhammad V, held at Istana Balai Besar. The SJMK title, which confers the honorific "Datuk," is limited to 50 recipients.
Ramanan, who serves as the Sungai Buloh MP and PKR vice-president, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Sultan Muhammad V for the honor. He emphasized that this recognition is both an honor and a responsibility to further his service and contributions to the Ruler, the people, and the nation.
Several other notable figures were also conferred the SJMK, including Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Sentosa Jaya Sdn Bhd's managing director Datuk Razali Daud, Kelantan State Financial Officer Datuk Rosnazli Amin, Silkway Group executive chairman Datuk Daniyar Kessikbayev, Le Mercier's Capital CEO Datuk Leon Emil Le'Mercier, and Datuk Mohd Khidir Yaacob.
Ramanan was among 767 recipients of state honors and medals at the ceremony.