Those who criticise that too many persons are being awarded the honorific Datuk-ship say that they are not questioning the right or decision of the ruler or head of state to award the title but merely question the criteria.

This is diplomatic double talk. Of course when one questions the criteria, he is questioning the right or decision of ruler or head of state to award too liberally without the proper criteria.

What then are the proper criteria?

Datuks in their 30s and 40s may not have contributed to the nation or state but they have remained loyal to their corporate bosses and as a reward, these bosses, who may have bought their Datuk-ships in the first instance, would use the same connection to procure the title for their loyal subordinates.

Indeed, those who have 'bought' their titles via the 'money or business favours route' have become 'runners' to recruit new members to this hitherto exclusive club using the same modus operandi.

Such a title seems a prerequisite to deal with the civil service and move amongst the corridors of the influential and powerful. Many think, and think rightly, that a Datuk-ship opens doors to business, smoothens loan applications, allows one to rub shoulders with the successful and the powerful besides allowing one to arm twist obtrusive civil servants and to get away with traffic offences - sometimes even serious crimes.

As there is a demand, so there will be an incentive - whether cash or other favours - offered in exchange for getting the honorific title.

The current processing and vetting of an application for such a title has to go through various people, any one of whom may be approached to lobby for the cause in exchange for the incentive offered.

This is then the supply side of the equation and the result is inevitable when demand and supply intersect. Some hopefuls would say it would be better to get it now before the price further goes up or door closes on the discovery of some racket, as it is now closing with public questioning of the criteria for these awards.

To us common people, when we read about people with titles being triad members, pursued by the Securities Commission and police, investigated for crimes, not to mention in day-to-day interaction with some of these Datuks, their behaviour is bullying and unreasonable.

This demystification of the 'titled' makes not having a title and this is the present feeling - to be accompanied with pride and self-righteousness. And therefore for the common people, it is not big issue that the undeserving get the awards. The envy is less if not absent.

We may still greet the person with a title as Datuk but beyond the outward deference, we know where to stand in relation to him, and draw the line because we can surmise how the character in front of us got his title and where he is coming from.

So let there be more titles given to broaden the base of Datuks at the top of the social pyramid downwards until the inverse happens.

The ones aggrieved are the 'genuine' Datuks who secure their titles through merit. Unfortunately, they are tarred by the same brush. It is natural for them to be concerned with the opening of the flood gates for new members. It devalues the title.

But it is hard for these 'genuine' Datuks to challenge the criteria for the heads of state to give awards because the conferment of awards is essentially their privilege and prerogative. Being a privilege and prerogative means the criteria may be arbitrary or even unmeritorious.

Indeed, one may ask what is wrong to award in exchange for payment on a willing buyer and seller basis?