What is the title of GCMG?

I saw that Mr Lee Kuan Yew had the title GCMG.

Twenty years ago, I was met an Englishman with a similar title. He explained the significance of the title to me.

This title is given to people who have served a long time and with distinction in the public service, i.e.  civil servants and political leaders.

The rationale was that public service paid a low salary compared to the private sector and those in the public service need to be separately recognized for their sacrifice to serve the people.

Of course, it does not apply to Singapore today as our public servants are political leaders are paid quite handsome salaries compared to the private sector. However, Singapore is probably an exception.

Back to the title GCMG. It is the highest among the three titles in the same series - CMG, KCMG and GCMG.

When you have served the country loyally and with distinction in the public service for many years, the Queen award you the title of CMG - Companion of St Michael and St George. I have checked and confirm that carries the title of "Sir".

After many more years of distinguished service, you may be awarded KCMG - Knight Commander of St Michael and St George.

After many more years, you get the title of GCMC - which is Grand Cross of St Michael and St George. This is the top honor in that series.

The Englishman told me that it is general public had created a new description for these titles.

If you are awarded CMG - you tell your friend that they can "Call Me God".

If you get KCMG - you can tell your fiends - the King (or Queen) calls me God.

If you get GMCG - guess who has to call you God?

I hope that Mr. LKY is now in heaven with God and he can tell God that he has the title GCMG.

I hope you enjoy the joke. Only broad minded people enjoy jokes. Others may find it offensive.

Tan Kin Lian