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Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the Egyptian footballer of the same name, see Moussa El-Ezam.
In this Malay name, there is no surname or family name. The name Mohd Nor is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by their given name, Mohamad Ezam. The word "bin" or "binti"/"binte" means 'son of' or 'daughter of', respectively.
Yang Berbahagia Datuk
Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor
PJN
محمد عظم محمد نور‎
Mohamad Ezam, circa 2000s
Senator
Appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong
In office
26 August 2013 – 5 March 2014
Preceded byHimself
Succeeded byAbdul Rahim Abdul Rahman
In office
3 May 2010 – 2 May 2013
Preceded byWong Foon Meng
Succeeded byHimself
Communications Director of the
Ministry of Finance
In office
15 March 2014 – 2016
MinisterNajib Razak
Political Secretary to the
Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Finance
In office
1996 – 2 September 1998
Deputy Prime Minister and MinisterAnwar Ibrahim
Deputy President of the
Parti Rakyat Malaysia
In office
December 2022 – September 2024
PresidentAhmad Jufliz Faiza
Preceded byTan Chow Kang
Succeeded byTBD
1st Youth Chief of the
People's Justice Party[note 1]
In office
4 April 1999[1] – 2007
Deputy Youth ChiefMustaffa Kamil Ayub
Preceded byPosition created
Succeeded byShamsul Iskandar Md Akin
Personal details
Born
Mohamad Ezam bin Mohd Nor

(1967-04-24) April 24, 1967 (age 57)
Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
Political party Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS)
(2024–present)
Malaysian People's Party (PRM)
(2022–2024)
Pan-Malaysian Islamic Front (BERJASA)
(2022)[2]
Independent (IND)
(2007–2008, 2016–2017, 2017–2019, 2020–2022)
People's Justice Party (PKR)
(2003–2007, 2020)[3]
Parti Negara (NEGARA)
(2019–2020)[note 2][4][5]
Parti Bebas Rasuah (PBR)
(2017)[note 3][6][7]
Parti Generasi Baru (NewGen)
(2017)[8]
Malaysian United Indigenous Party (BERSATU)
(2016)[9]
United Malay National Organization (UMNO)
(1993–1999, 2008–2016)
National Justice Party (KeADILan)
(1999–2003)
Other political
affiliations		Perikatan Nasional (PN)
(2024–present)
Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA)
(2022)
Pakatan Harapan (PH)
(2016, 2020)
Barisan Nasional (BN)
(1993–1998, 2008–2016)
Barisan Alternatif (BA)
(1999–2004)
SpouseBahirah Tajul Aris
Children3
EducationVictoria Institution
Alma materInternational Islamic University Malaysia (BEc)
OccupationPolitician, activist

Mohamad Ezam bin Mohd Nor (Jawi: محمد عظم بن محمد نور‎; born 24 April 1967), also known as Ezam Mohd Nor, is a Malaysian politician, activist and one of the founding members of the People's Justice Party (PKR). He served as a member of the Dewan Negara twice, from May 2010 to May 2013[10] and from August 2013 until he resigned in March 2014.[11] He also served as the political secretary for Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim from 1996 until September 1998. He is best known for his role in opposing corruption within the Malaysian government and his prominent activism during the Reformasi movement in the late 1990s, with prominent figures like Lokman Noor Adam. Mohamad Ezam has been a figure of political controversy in Malaysia, having switched political parties several times, and is widely known for his vocal criticism of political corruption and abuses of power.

Mohamad Ezam first became known when he was involved in the Reformasi movement in 1998 and became the first Youth Leader of the National Justice Party (KeADILan) in 1999. He was the deputy president of the Malaysian People's Party (PRM) since December 2022[12] until September 2024, before joining the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS).[13] He is also active in mobilizing non-governmental organizations that focus on anti-corruption such as the People's Anti-Corruption Movement (GERAK)[14] and Hisbah Center for Reform (HISBAH).[15]

Early life and education

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Mohamad Ezam bin Mohd Nor was born in Klang, Selangor, Malaysia on 24 April 1967. He went to Victoria Institution, Kuala Lumpur for his secondary education from 1980 until 1984. He continued his studies at International Islamic University Malaysia (UIAM) in 1987 and received his bachelor's degree in economics (BEc) in 1991.

Political career (1993–present)

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Early political career (1993–1998)

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Mohamad Ezam start his political career by joining United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) on 1993. He served as the head of UMNO Youth of Petaling Jaya Selatan division from 1993 until 1996. Then, he was promoted to become the secretary of UMNO Selangor from 1996 until 1998 and demoted back as the vice head of UMNO of Petaling Jaya Selatan division. He also served briefly as the political secretary for his mentor, Anwar Ibrahim while Anwar still become the deputy prime minister and finance minister from 1996 until September 1998,[16] before Anwar was sacked by Mahathir Mohamad due to sodomy trial.

Reformasi and KeADILan founding member (1999–2007)

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Mohamad Ezam's political journey began in the late 1990s during the Reformasi movement, a series of mass protests and rallies triggered by the dismissal of Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in 1998. Mohamad Ezam, then a student, became deeply involved in the movement, which aimed to reform the Malaysian political system, fight corruption, and restore justice. He was a vocal supporter of Anwar Ibrahim and was one of the key figures within the Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (ABIM), a youth organization linked to Anwar.

Mohamad Ezam contested in 1999 general election for Shah Alam seat. It was a two corner fight between himself and UMNO candidate, Mohd Zin Mohamed. However, he was lost with slim majority, that was 1,440 votes.[17]

During the Reformasi era, Mohamad Ezam's activism drew the attention of the Malaysian authorities. In 2001, Mohamad Ezam was arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA), a controversial law that allows detention without trial, due to his involvement in the political protests and his outspoken criticism of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's government. He was detained for a total of 18 months, and his imprisonment marked a significant period of his life that solidified his commitment to fighting for democratic reforms in Malaysia.[18][19][20]

Since Anwar's arrest on 1998, until his release on 2004, Mohamad Ezam never stopped giving speeches and campaigning for his release. Mohamad Ezam attended several cases involving court cases. In the case of Mohamad Ezam Mohd Noor v Inspector General of Police & Others [2002]4 CLJ 309, the Federal Court ruled that the position of Article 5(3) of the Federal Constitution is unchanged based on Section 4(4) of the Human Rights Commission Act (SUHAKAM Act) 1999, and there is no urgent need to apply international rules/laws. Further, in the case of Mohammad Ezam Mohd Nor v PP [Criminal Appeal No: 42-22-2002], the Shah Alam High Court has decided that there are two categories of official secrets which are 'scheduled official secrets'; and 'Leveled official secrets that first need to be classified by the Minister, Menteri Besar and Chief Minister.' In 2002, Mohamad Ezam was sentenced to two years in prison. As such, he was detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) from 2002–2003; and the Official Secrets Act (OSA) in 2002, both simultaneously.

Return to UMNO and senatorship (2007–2016)

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In June 2007, Mohamad Ezam accounced that he will leave PKR.[21] This shock announcement was made because he said that he no longer believed in Anwar's struggle and was said to be rivaled by Anwar's most right strongman, Mohamed Azmin Ali.[22][23] Mohamad Ezam is said to be unable to cooperate with Mohamed Azmin because of different ways of thinking. He was labeled by Pakatan Rakyat supporters as a bribe-eater, traitor, political opportunist and various other titles. He later joined his old political party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) on May 2008.[24]

On 3 May 2010, Mohamad Ezam was sworn in as a senator in the Malaysian Parliament. Apart from him, the other three individuals appointed are former MIC Deputy President, Palanivel Govindasamy, Executive Chairman of Rahim and Co, Abdul Rahim Abdul Rahman and Pagoh UMNO Women's Chief Division, Noriah Mahat. They took the oath in front of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Abu Zahar Ujang. Mohamad Ezam said he was appointed as a senator because of the role he played in the NGO organization, Gerakan Rakyat Anti Korupsi (GERAK), who also served as its president since 2007.[25]

However, after serving a full one term and a half as a senator, he tender his resignation on 5 March 2014.[26] After 10 days, he was appointed by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Najib Razak as the communications director of the Ministry of Finance.[27] He held the position until 2016, where he resigned.[28] He also left his political party, UMNO on October 2016 after staying nearly 10 years, quoting that "considered that the party was no longer serious in the fight against corruption".[29][30][31] He also added that "he joining UMNO in May 2008 to focus on the repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the Official Secrets Act (OSA). I have been jailed under these two acts but what is more important is that I believe these two acts are often an obstacle to the fight against corruption crimes. During my tenure as a member of the Dewan Negara from 2010 to 2014, ISA was discussed and abolished, while OSA still shows no signs of change".

Frequent party switching, PRM deputy president and GE-15 (2016–2023)

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Mohamad Ezam joined the Malaysian United Indigenous Party (BERSATU) on October 2016, after leaving UMNO on the same month.[32] However, after nearly three months, he left BERSATU in a statement with Malaysiakini.[33][34]

In 2017, Mohamad Ezam joined Parti Generasi Baru (NewGen), a political party that was founded since 2013. He was elected as the president and selected Khairuddin Abu Hassan as his deputy. However, he changed NewGen Party into Parti Bebas Rasuah (PBS), taking almost 300 members from the old party, caused the anger of the previous leadership.[35][36] This led to the previous president of NewGen, G. Kumar Aamaan made a police report was made in addition to submitting a complaint to the Registry of Societies Malaysia (ROS) requesting further investigation because the action in question violated the party's constitution and the agency's laws.[37] The PBR party won't last long since Mohamd Ezam decided not to wait for the ROS to approved his request after two months.[38]

In May 2019, Mohamad Ezam decided to founded a new political party, named "Parti Negara" (NEGARA). It focused on fight the corruption which is the main enemy of the country.[39][40] He send his application to the ROS on 17 May 2017.[41] However, on January 2020, he decided not to pursue his application.[42]

On June 2020, Mohamad Ezam confirmed that he rejoined PKR, his old political party and already submitted his application form.[43][44] He added that "the decision was made on the recommendation of friends and PKR leaders themselves to help the party". However, he left the party on the same year.

On May 2022, Mohamad Ezam joined the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Front (BERJASA).[45][46] However, he left the party on the same year.

Mohamad Ezam was speculated as the candidate for Langkawi.[47][48] He will face his old archnemesis, Mahathir Mohamad, who are also expected to compete for the seat.

On November 2022, Mohamad Ezam joined the Malaysian People's Party (PRM).[49] He was selected as the deputy president of PRM, succeeding Tan Chow Kang on December 2022.[50][51] PRM allocate him to compete in one of the Selangor parliamentary seat, not in Langkawi.[52]

Mohamad Ezam has been selected by PRM as a candidate to contest in the Petaling Jaya parliament in the general election on 2022. He lost in a six-cornered match with a majority of 50,575 votes. Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate, Lee Chean Chung succeeded to gain 83,311 votes, while Mohamad Ezam have collected only 2,049 votes.

State election and PAS (2023–present)

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On August 2023, Mohamad Ezam was once again nominated as a PRM candidate for Selat Klang state assembly in the state election on 2023.[53] However, he again lost the election to the PN–BERSATU candidate, Abdul Rashid Asari. This 3-sided match saw Abdul Rashid win a majority of 8,325 votes, leaving Mohamad Ezam with only 742 votes. He left PRM on September 2024.

On September 2024, Mohamad Ezam joined the Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS). The participation of Mohamad Ezam was announced by Secretary-General of PAS, Takiyuddin Hassan at the 70th PAS Summit at Al-Makmur Kerdau Complex, Temerloh, Pahang.[54][55]

Activism career

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Mohamad Ezam funded the Gerakan Rakyat Anti Korupsi (GERAK) and served as its president from 2007 until 2008, before he was accepted back into his old political party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) on May 2008.

Controversies and issues

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Voice similarity to Anwar Ibrahim

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Mohamad Ezam's voice is often compared to that of Anwar Ibrahim, both known for their clear, resonant tones and strong, authoritative presence when speaking. They share a style of persuasive delivery, frequently quoting Quranic verses in their speeches. This resemblance has led to comparisons, particularly during public addresses, speeches or debates. Mohamad Ezam’s articulation, intonation and emphasis on key points often mirror Anwar’s style, which has been noted by both supporters and critics. Some believe this similarity helps Mohamad Ezam capture the audience's attention, much like Anwar did during his political career.

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On 27 May 2009, in the Hujah program on TV9, Mohamad Ezam denied that he had six boxes of corruption-related evidence when Anwar Ibrahim was imprisoned in the Sungai Buloh Prison. However, he defended his claim about the existence of six boxes of corruption-related evidence that were shown to him by Anwar himself before he was arrested.[56][57] He also added that all the boxes still in Anwar's possession.

"Political frog" moniker

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Mohamad Ezam's political journey saw further shifts in party allegiance. He continued to be involved in Malaysian politics, though often amidst controversy. His frequent party switches led to accusations of opportunism and a lack of consistency in his political beliefs, with critics labeling him a "political frog."[note 4] Nonetheless, he maintained a presence in Malaysian politics, at times serving in various political roles and continuing to advocate for anti-corruption measures.

Mohamad Ezam initially rose to prominence as a key figure in the Reformasi movement and was one of the founding members of People's Justice Party (PKR), led by Anwar Ibrahim in 1999. However, in 2008, Mohamad Ezam controversially rejoined United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the ruling party he had previously criticized for corruption and undemocratic practices. Mohamad Ezam's shift back to UMNO shocked many, especially his supporters within PKR, who saw it as a betrayal of the reformist ideals he had espoused. His decision was widely criticized by both the opposition and the public, with many accusing him of opportunism and self-interest. Despite his assurances that he was committed to reform from within UMNO, many saw his return as a move to further his own political career rather than an effort to challenge the system. His decision to leave UMNO again in 2016 to join Malaysian United Indigenous Party (BERSATU), which was aligned with the opposition at the time, added to his controversial reputation. This frequent party-hopping has remained a central point of contention in discussions about his political career.

Personal life

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Mohamad Ezan was married to Bahirah binti Tajul Aris[58][59] and have three children, namely Tihani Mohamad Ezam, Mohd Hasif Mohamad Ezam and Mohd Haris Mohamad Ezam.[60][61]

Election results

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Parliament of Malaysia[62]
Year Constituency Candidate Votes Pct Opponent(s) Votes Pct Ballot casts Majority Turnout
1999 P098 Shah Alam, Selangor Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor (KeADILan) 34,411 48.98% Mohd Zin Mohamed (UMNO) 35,851 51.02% 71,477 1,440 77.07%
2022 P105 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor (PRM) 2,049 1.40% Lee Chean Chung (PKR) 83,311 57.12% 148,021 50,575 74.74%
Theng Book (BERSATU) 32,736 22.44%
Chew Hian Tat (MCA) 23,253 15.94%
Mazween Mokhtar (PEJUANG) 4,052 2.78%
KJ John (Independent) 461 0.32%
Selangor State Legislative Assembly
Year Constituency Candidate Votes Pct Opponent(s) Votes Pct Ballots cast Majority Turnout
2023 N44 Selat Kelang Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor (PRM) 742 1.74% Abdul Rashid Asari (BERSATU) 25,143 58.88% 42,703 8,325 74.12%
Roslee Abd Hamid (UMNO) 16,818 39.38%

Honour

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Honour of Malaysia

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Bibliography

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Books

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  • Di Sini Aku Berdiri (1999)
  • Kilasan masa depan (2004)
  • Freedom of information in Malaysia (2007)
  • Islam & Persoalan Rasuah (2010)[note 5]
  • Islam dan Perbendaharaan: Kisah dan Teladan (2015)[note 6]
  • Freedom of Information in Malaysia[note 7]
  • Islam & Perjuangan Melawan Rasuah[note 8]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ National KeADILan Youth from 1999 until 2003 and PKR Youth from 2003 until 2007.
  2. ^ Mohamad Ezam proposed to establish a political party named "Parti Negara". However, after one year waiting for the Registry of Societies Malaysia (ROS) to approved his application, he canceled his proposal and expressed his desire to join his old political party, PKR.
  3. ^ Mohamad Ezam proposed to establish a political party named "Parti Bebas Rasuah". However, he withdrawed his proposal from Registry of Societies Malaysia (ROS) on the same year.
  4. ^ Mohamad Ezam’s repeated changes of political affiliation earned him the moniker of "frog" in the Malaysian political scene, a term used to describe politicians who defect from one party to another for personal gain or political convenience.
  5. ^ Co-Authored with Sapto Waluyo.
  6. ^ Co-Authored with Sapto Waluyo.
  7. ^ Co-Authored with Fahda Nur Ahmad Kamar.
  8. ^ Co-Authored with Helme Hanafi.

References

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  1. ^ Barisan AJK Pemuda KeADILan Malaysia
  2. ^ Mohamad Ezam sah sertai Berjasa
  3. ^ Ezam kembali ke pangkuan PKR
  4. ^ Ezam tubuh Parti Negara
  5. ^ Mohd Ezam batal permohonan tubuh parti Negara
  6. ^ Parti Generasi Baru Kini Dinamakan Parti Bebas Rasuah
  7. ^ Hasrat Ezam tubuh Parti Bebas Rasuah tidak kesampaian
  8. ^ Ezam Pertahan Parti Generasi Baru
  9. ^ Ezam keluar BERSATU
  10. ^ "Ezam sworn in as senator for second term". Astro Awani. 26 August 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. ^ Bernama (2014-03-18). "Ezam pengarah komunikasi Kementerian Kewangan". Malaysiakini. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
  12. ^ "Mohamad Ezam Timbalan Pengerusi PRM yang baharu". www.astroawani.com. Retrieved 2024-10-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  13. ^ ASHAHA, NOR SYAMIRA LIANA NOR (2024-09-16). "Mohamad Ezam, Mazlan sah sertai Pas". Sinar Harian (in Malay). Retrieved 2024-10-09.
  14. ^ Noor, Muda Mohd (2007-11-05). "Ezam: Akta Rasuah tiada kuasa siasat pemimpin politik". Malaysiakini. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
  15. ^ Alhadjri, Alyaa (2018-05-02). "Ezam comes full circle, now backs Azmin to remain MB". Malaysiakini. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
  16. ^ Ezam dedah Rameli kawan rapat Anwar
  17. ^ Ezam confirms contesting in Shah Alam, Khalid asks why
  18. ^ UPDATE(MALAYSIA): Four ISA detainees served two years detention order
  19. ^ Malaysia's Internal Security Act and Suppression of Political Dissent: A Human Rights Watch Backgrounder
  20. ^ Malaysia: three reformasi ISA detainees released
  21. ^ Ezam keluar PKR, mungkin sertai PAS atau Umno...
  22. ^ Ezam keluar PKR, mungkin sertai PAS atau Umno...
  23. ^ Pengakuan Ezam Mohd Nor
  24. ^ Ezam sertai semula Umno
  25. ^ Ezam Mohd Nor antara empat dilantik senator
  26. ^ Ezam nafi dakwaan letak jawatan sebagai senator
  27. ^ Ezam pengarah komunikasi Kementerian Kewangan
  28. ^ EZAM MOHD NOR
  29. ^ Anwar’s former aide Ezam quits Umno
  30. ^ Ezam keluar UMNO
  31. ^ Ezam umum keluar Umno selepas kecewa dengan rasuah
  32. ^ Ezam submits his application to join Bersatu
  33. ^ Ezam keluar BERSATU
  34. ^ Tak sampai 3 bulan, Ezam keluar PPBM
  35. ^ Ezam Pertahan Parti Generasi Baru
  36. ^ Ezam, Khairuddin Salah Guna Parti Generasi Baru, Tukar Kepada PBR
  37. ^ Ezam, Khairuddin Salah Guna Parti Generasi Baru, Tukar Kepada PBR
  38. ^ Hasrat Ezam tubuh Parti Bebas Rasuah tidak kesampaian
  39. ^ Ezam tubuh Parti Negara
  40. ^ Parti Negara ditubuh untuk perangi rasuah
  41. ^ Ezam mahu tubuh parti anti rasuah
  42. ^ Mohd Ezam batal permohonan tubuh parti Negara
  43. ^ Ezam kembali ke pangkuan PKR
  44. ^ Sertai Semula PKR Kerana Saranan Rakan Pimpinan – Ezam Noor
  45. ^ Ezam sertai Berjasa
  46. ^ Mohamad Ezam sah sertai Berjasa
  47. ^ Ezam dijangka lawan Tun M di Langkawi?
  48. ^ Ezam cabar Dr M di Langkawi
  49. ^ PRU15: Ezam umum sertai PRM, tidak bertanding di Langkawi
  50. ^ Ezam dilantik timbalan presiden PRM
  51. ^ After PKR and Umno, Ezam now number two in PRM
  52. ^ PRU15: Ezam umum sertai PRM, tidak bertanding di Langkawi
  53. ^ Ezam Mohd Nor buat kemunculan di DUN Selat Klang
  54. ^ Ezam, Mazlan sertai PAS
  55. ^ Mohamad Ezam, Mazlan sah sertai Pas
  56. ^ Reputations at stake with Anwar's boxes
  57. ^ Ezam to Anwar: Show the 6 boxes of evidence
  58. ^ A Wife Testifies Against the ISA
  59. ^ Kenangan bersama isteri Ezam
  60. ^ Ezam slapped with two-year jail term for violating OSA
  61. ^ [https://m.aliran.com/archives/monthly/2002/3a.html Give Us Back Our Loved Ones ]
  62. ^ "Malaysia Decides 2008". The Star (Malaysia). Retrieved 18 January 2010. Includes results from 2004 election. Results from earlier elections are not available.
  63. ^ "Semakan Penerima Darjah Kebesaran, Bintang dan Pingat".
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