The Sabah Illustrious Order of Kinabalu - 1st Class (Darjah Yang Amat Mulia Kinabalu - Panglima Darjah Kinabalu and officially abbreviated P.D.K.) will be addressed in this guide.  Sabah has been a state in Borneo, Malaysia since 16 September 1963.  The Illustrious Order of Kinabalu - 1st Class (P.D.K.) was instituted on 5 October 1963 under Enactment Order Number 33 and recognizes exceptionally meritorious service to the State of Sabah.  It can be awarded to males and females, citizens and non-citizens.  Evidence indicates that at least two UK Commonwealth officers were presented with this award.  Official awards are initially limited to 25 but honorary awards are not limited.  Male official recipients are entitled to use the title Dato while female official recipients (as well as the wives of male recipients) are entitled to use the title Datin.  By 1970, the order was expanded to conform similarly to the British order classes   It is currently known as the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK) and the number of awards per year have expanded.  The rules for for this award have frequently changed.

The Sultan of Sabah authorizes the awards based upon the advice of the Chief Minister.  A Chancellor and Registrar (who maintains the Register of Recipients) are appointed from the recipients.  The award is accepted in Malaysia as an official award and is worn with uniforms. 

The Illustrious Orders of Kinabalu - 1st Class consist of 2 elements:  the star and badge. 

• The 3.5 inch (diameter) star is a silver gilt 6-pointed breast star with chipped and faceted rays.  The center has an opaque enameled medallion with Mount Kinabalu engraved upon it.  The medallion is surrounded by an enaleded red garter with SABAH MAJU JAYA in gold lettering.  There are a number of variants. 
• The 2.5 inch (diameter) badge is a silver gilt round medallion with a 6-pointed star.  The center has an opaque enameled medallion with Mount Kinabalu engraved upon it.  The medallion is surrounded by an enameled red garter with SABAH MAJU JAYA in silver gilt lettering.   The reverse depicts the State crest and is fully enameled.  It is suspended from a corn-wreath clasp of silver gilt with the Sabah coat of arms centered.  There are a number of variants.  The watered ribbon sash is 4 inches wide with 5 equal stripes of red, white, gold, dark blue, and green.  The sash is worn over the right shoulder with the badge resting on the left hip.   

Illustrious Orders of Kinabalu - 1st Class sash ribbon

Forgeries and copies of this medal are fairly rare since the penalties for a copy are quite severe in Malaysia.  Medal collecting can be very specific and the above guides are intended as an introduction to Sabah's orders, decorations, and medals.  My best advice is:  Buy from a Malaysian speciality dealer who will offer you a 100% guarantee.  Expert advise is often needed since the guides can not address every possible question - especially about a specific medal.  Please visit my blog (http://blogs.ebay.com/tsa-li) and/or guides for further information.  Thank you for your visit!