Former national footballer Namat Abdullah was taken aback when he learned that he would be bestowed the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri which carries the title "Datuk" in conjunction with the 73rd birthday of Penang Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas tomorrow.
Namat, 64, said he was informed of the honor via a letter he received three days ago from the office of the state secretary requesting his biodata.
"I am very touched by the show of appreciation although I have long retired," he said.
"I never dreamed that I would be conferred such an award in my life."
The Butterworth-born Namat, who was capped 115 times for the country, continues to play in friendlies with other retired footballers in and outside the country.
"I am active in the team of former national players. Other than that, I take care of my grandchildren," Namat said. He has 12 from his seven children.
Namat, who retired as a prison warden, was in the Malaysian team competing in the 1972 Olympics in Munich and in the 1974 World Cup qualifying team.
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