Grab Boss Anthony Tan Awarded Selangor Datukship

Internet users quickly pointed out the irony of a Malaysian state royal house giving a premium honorary title to a man who formally and legally walked away from his Malaysian citizenship.

Local commentators highlighted the situation as a classic case study of Malaysia’s historic brain drain, noting that Singapore now collects the corporate taxes while Malaysia provides the royal title.

High-Society Status vs. Low-Tier Driver Realities

The royal recognition also highlighted two very different realities on the ground.

As a scion of the legendary Tan Chong Motor automotive dynasty, the Datukship firmly cements Tan’s place at the apex of Malaysian high society, despite running a US-listed company from Singapore.

This honour comes alongside substantial corporate commitments to the local workforce, including a recent announcement by Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil detailing a RM160 million aid package, co-funded by the government and Grab, to uplift e-hailing and p-hailing workers starting in 2027.

Yet, despite this massive welfare initiative, Grab’s active workforce still used the announcement threads to air historical grievances.

Delivery riders and driver-partners flooded local social media comments to protest low fare rates, high company commissions, and tough working conditions.

Many online observers highlighted the stark contrast between the billionaire founder receiving a medal in a pristine royal court and his delivery partners navigating tropical flash floods for single-digit incentives.

Tan was one of 19 individuals honoured at the event, alongside military commanders, diplomats, and corporate leaders from SD Guthrie and YTL Corporation.

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