DNDi Board Member and Malaysian Director General of Health, Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah was awarded the distinguished title of ‘Tan Sri’ on 17 August 2020, in conjunction with the Malaysian King, HRH Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah’s official birthday celebrations.
This honorary royal title was awarded to recognise his leadership and service to the nation in the COVID-19 response. In Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah is widely regarded as a dependable, trusted and respectable figure who has helped steer, educate and enforce measures to contain the pandemic.
The title of ‘Tan Sri’ is the second highest civilian honour that can be granted in Malaysia. It is a close equivalent to a British knighthood or Grand Officer de la Legion d’ Honneur, France.
Upon receiving this award, Dr Noor Hisham said, ‘This special recognition also serves as a symbol of appreciation for all frontliners, civil servants and Malaysian Health Ministry staff in the fight against COVID-19.’
In the same week, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah was also named the official annual recipient of the ‘2020/1442 Hijrah Tokoh Maal Hijrah’ (Maal Hijrah Icon Award). The Malaysian King, Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah awarded a medal and a certificate to Tan Sri on behalf of the Malaysian government where the Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was present to witness this event.
The Maal Hijrah Icon Award is presented yearly to individuals who exemplify noble acts and Islamic stewardship. This award is seen as a recognition by the Malaysian government for their individual and significant contributions in uplifting Islamic values and principles, both nationally and globally.
More information
- The Star: “Health DG Dr Noor Hisham named national 2020 Tokoh Maal Hijrah”
- Pejabat Perdana Menteri Malaysia: “Sambutan Maal Hijrah Peringkat Kebangsaan”
- The Star: “Health DG is this year’s Tokoh Maal Hijrah”
Photo credit: BERNAMA (2020)
