Kuala Lumpur, Oct. 12 (PTI): Shah Rukh Khan has been conferred a Malyasian state honour equivalent to a British knighthood but the decision has been denounced by many who believe local artistes should get priority.

Malacca has conferred the governor’s award carrying the title “Datuk” on the 42-year-old star for promoting the southern state of Malaysia through his movies.

Shah Rukh was among the many who got the honour on the 70th birthday of Mohd Khalil Yaakob, Malacca’s head of state.

But Opposition politicians as well as many in the public have raised questions over how much Shah Rukh promoted Malacca, The Star daily said.