GEORGE TOWN: Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong Wei was conferred the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), which carries the title Datuk, at a special investiture yesterday.

He received the award from Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas at the latter's official residence in Seri Mutiara here.

Present was Abdul Rahman's wife, Toh Puan Majimor Shariff.

Also present were Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, his wife Betty Chew, as well as Lee's parents, Lee Ah Chai, 55, and Khor Kim Chooi, 54.

Lee, who turns 26 in October, said he preferred to be called by his name.
"I feel more comfortable that way. This also puts me on the same level as other badminton players," he said while thanking the state government for conferring the datukship on him.

The world No 2 vows to perform better, saying that his immediate task was to defend his Japan Open title next month.

Lee lost to world No 1 Lin Dan from China 12-21 and 8-21 at the Beijing Olympics.

Meanwhile, Lee said he was happy to return to his hometown in Bukit Mertajam after an absence of one year.

Lee started playing badminton at 13.

He is known for forehand cross-court smashes. His footwork, controlled aggression and forehand slices (reverse in particular) make him one of the fastest tactical players in the world.

Lee is coached by Datuk Misbun Sidek.

The Federal Government presented Lee with a RM300,000 cheque recently and awarded a lifetime monthly pension of RM3,000.