International action star Jackie Chan was presented the Panglima Mahkota Wilayah award, which earned him the title of 'Datuk'.

The award was presented in Malaysia, in concurrence of the Federal Territories Day last February 2, according to Rakyat Post.

A 'Datuk' is a federal title, both in traditional and stately setting.

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Jackie Chan, whose real name is Chan Song Kang, was among the chosen 71 people who received the award, as confirmed by Barisian Nasional Secretary-General Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, according to Astro, a Malaysian news website.

This move also created mixed reactions among the Malaysian citizens, who have questioned Chan's contribution in the country, when it should have been conferred to a more deserving individual.

Through social media, the secretary-general Tengku Adnan defended Chan's 'datukship', expressing that the actor holds a huge fan base in the country.

Tengku Adnan further added that the Hong Kong actor has the full potential to promote Malaysia, especially Kuala Lumpur through his movies.

The local artistes also applauded Chan's award, saying that he deserved to earn the award due to his contributions in the entertainment industry.

"To this I would say that it is his good fortune and we should not be envious about it," says Fatimah Abu Bakar, a veteran actress as she told the Rakyat Post her opinion about the issue how many people question the need for Chan to earn the award.

"Besides, isn't it good for our country too? When he goes to other countries and the media personnel there ask him what Datuk stands for, he might answer them, saying it was a title conferred by Malaysian royalty. That will show the world that we are a country that appreciates the talents of those from any part of the world," she further added.

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