Decision on Pingat Jasa Malaysia
On 31 January 2006 the government announced that Her Majesty The Queen had graciously approved the recommendation by the Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals that veterans and others eligible should exceptionally be allowed to accept the Pingat Jasa Malaysia, offered by the King and Government of Malaysia, but that in accordance with normal policy and practice official permission to wear the medal should not be granted. Since then, a number of people have said they believe that this decision was wrong; and that those entitled to accept the Medal should also be permitted formally to wear the PJM.
The government recognises the strength of feeling of some individuals and the Committee has therefore considered the matter again very carefully. After examination of the issues involved, the policies underpinning the operation of the UK honours system and particular application of these policies in the case of the PJM, it has concluded that the original decision to allow exceptions to two of the major principles of the British Honours System - the double medalling rule and the five year rule - should be upheld: entitled individuals should be allowed to accept the PJM, but there is no official permission to wear it.
In re-affirming the decision of 31 January, we are aware that it will disappoint those who wish to wear the PJM. We have, however, made very significant exceptions to the normal procedures. This decision reflects a major relaxation of the normal protocol on acceptance of foreign medals. These exceptions have been made in order to mark the importance of British involvement in the Malaysian campaign in the histories both of Malaysia and the UK in the years 1957-1966. We hope that all will now agree to move ahead in a spirit of mutual cooperation and understanding.
A more detailed explanation of the reasons behind this decision is being placed on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Ministry of Defence (Veterans Agency) and Cabinet Office websites.
