Tan Sri? Tun? What do they mean?

You might have heard of “Tun Dr Mahathir” or “Tan Sri Vincent” and wondered what these titles really signify.

o    “Tun” is the highest civilian honour that can be granted to a Malaysian while “Tan Sri” is the second-highest title. These titles are bestowed by the King on the recommendation of the federal government and are controlled. They do not exceed a certain number at any one-time.

o     To date, a total of 500 “Tuns” and “Tan Sri’s have been given out to Malaysians in Malaysia.

o     There are currently 36 surviving Tuns and 458 Tan Sris.

The “Tun” title is further subdivided into two categories. The first is limited to 25 people and the second to not more than 35 people at any one time. So far only 14 people have been granted the title of Tun and 22 people in the latter category, which brings it to a total of 36 “Tuns” in Malaysia.

Criterion for Tuns are;

Ř       They should be exceptional in their field,

Ř       They should have contributed to the country,

Ř       They must be influential.

There are also 2 Tan Sri categories; one bestowed on 75 people and the other 550 people.