GEORGE TOWN: Olympic badminton silver medallist Lee Chong Wei will be conferred a datukship by the state government in recognition of his feat in Beijing.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Chong Wei, who is from Bukit Mertajam, would receive the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), which carries the title Datuk, at a special investiture ceremony to be held on Aug 30.

“Chong Wei has done not only Penang proud but also Malaysia,” he said yesterday to announce the award.

Speaking to reporters via a teleconference from Kuala Lumpur, Lee said he was ecstatic to receive the datukship.

“I am very happy to be given such a prestigious award.

“To be honest, I am surprised that the state government has decided to present me the award despitemy runner- up finish.

“I thought it was a joke when my brother Chong Hoon called me with the good news on Tuesday night,” he said.

In thanking the state government, Lee also pledged to perform his best to achieve new heights in his badminton career.