Malaysian official awarded royal title

Vice President Jusuf Kalla and Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak (photo above) beat drums at the opening of the 7th Bugis Makassar Entrepreneurs Meeting at the Sahid Makassar Hotel.

The event, which ran from Saturday through Sunday, was aimed at enhancing the economy of both countries through cooperation among Bugis and Makassar businesspeople in Malaysia.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Najib and his wife, Datin Sri Rohmah binti Mansor, were awarded Gowa royal titles as a form of respect and acknowledgement of the Malaysian official, whose ancestors were Gowa royalty.

The presentation ceremony took place in the Tamalate Hall in the compound of Balla Lompoa Palace in Gowa regency, South Sulawesi, on Saturday in a local ritual led by the head of the royal family, Bau Tayang Karaeng Bonto Langkasa. Kalla, South Sulawesi Governor Amin Syam and Gowa Regent Ichsan Yasin Limpo were in attendance.

Najib received a songkok pamiring (rimless cap with gold thread) while his wife was given a traditional necklace.

According to the Gowa royal family tree, Najib is a descendant of the 19th Gowa king, Mappadulung Daeng Mattimong Karaeng Sanrobone Sultan Abdul Djalil Tumenaga ri Lakiung.

Najib is called I Mappadulung Daeng Mattimung Karaeng Sanrobone, the same title the 19th Gowa king received back then. The title itself means that the holder is a brave, genuine and responsible leader.

Rohmah's royal title is I Minasa Daeng Sunggu Karaeng bonto Mate'ne, which means beautiful, sweet and diligent.

Upon receiving the title, Najib expressed hope that Indonesia and Malaysia would continue their cooperation and enhance their strong ties.

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A.M. HENDROPRIYONO