King revokes 'Tan Sri' title from former Felda chairman Isa Samad

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, has officially revoked the 'Tan Sri' title from former Felda chairman Mohd Isa Abdul Samad.

The decision, effective from Monday, is directly connected to Isa Samad's conviction and current six-year prison sentence for corruption. The revocation of the Darjah Panglima Setia Mahkota (P.S.M.) award is in accordance with the statutes governing the Malaysian Royal Orders, which allow for titles to be withdrawn if the recipient is found guilty of an offense.

This action follows a Federal Court ruling in February that reinstated Isa Samad's conviction and sentence for corruption charges amounting to RM3.09 million. The court had overturned his acquittal on nine corruption charges, upholding a High Court decision from February 3, 2021, which also imposed a RM15.45 million fine or an additional two years imprisonment if the fine was not paid.

Isa Samad, a former Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar, was accused of receiving bribes from a director of Gegasan Abadi Properties Sdn. Bhd. through his former special officer. The statement regarding the title revocation was issued by the Prime Minister's Department, coinciding with the Federal Awards Investiture ceremony scheduled for September 7, 2024, at the National Palace.