The Sabah Illustrious Order of Kinabalu - 2nd Class (Darjah Yang Amat Mulia Kinabalu - Ahli Darjah Kinabalu and officially abbreviated A.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 - 2nd Class (A.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.  By 1970, the order was expanded to conform similarly to the British order classes   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 2.5 inch (diameter) badge is a silver 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 lettering.   The reverse depicts the State crest and is fully enameled.  It is suspended from a corn-wreath clasp of silver with the Sabah coat of arms centered.  There are a number of variants.  The watered rneck ibbon is 1 3/4 inches wide with 5 equal stripes of red, white, gold, dark blue, and green.   

Illustrious Orders of Kinabalu - 2nd Class 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!