Sandhaanu  Zaki awarded Dato’ ship by Malaysian King

Ambassador of Maldives in Malaysia, Mr. Mohamed Zaki (Sandhaan Zaki) has been awarded Dato’ ship by the Malaysian King and the ceremony was held in Pahang Palace on December 22, 2011.

The Malaysian royal title of “Dato” which is equivalent to the English royal title of “Sir” was honoured to Mr. Zaki for his valuable services to Malaysia during his 23 years in Malaysia and also appreciation for his years of service at the Islamic University of Malaysia as Audit Committee member.

Mr. Zaki expressed his gratitude the King for awarding him the highly prestigious title. He is the only proud Maldivian ever been awarded the Dato’ship.

“I am very glad and proud to have received this honour from the king. I am the only Maldivian has awarded Dato’ship and I am really glad and proud that the country Malaysia and its king has accepted my honest long time living and service to Malaysia,” he said.

Mr. Zaki is the currently the Ambassador of Maldives to Malaysia and also the non-residence Ambassador to Brunei, Indonesia and Thailand.

Mr. Zaki is also a well reputed and trusted Maldivian businessman under brand name NAZAKI since 1985.  His political life had two major incidents where just after the parliamentary election in 1989, he had to live in self exile in Malaysia from 1990 till 1993. As a result  Nazaki Shipping business Management was shifted to Malaysia and he still continues the business up until today.

In the year 2001, Mr. Zaki was sentenced for life and jailed for publishing the controversial ‘Sandhaanu’ newsletter on the internet which openly criticized the then government. Amnesty International regarded him as a prisoner of conscience. He was released under pressure from EU to the government on 2005 with the changes in the political arena of the Maldives.

With his release Mr. Zaki joined Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) who came to power after winning the 2008 Presidential Elections. MDP government appointed Mr. Zaki as the Ambassador of Maldives to Malaysia.

Datoship is highly prestigious title in Malaysia to be awarded to the prominent figures who have made a tremendous contribution to the society and human being. Only a few figures have been awarded this honor in Malaysia.