Ongoing improvements to the administration of the public service, similar to those in the Royal Malaysia Police, should continue and be extended to other agencies and institutions, the king said Friday night.

In his birthday address, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail said the government's initiatives to improve the public delivery system must be expedited for the well-being of all Malaysians and the nation's interest.

"I'm very concerned over the quality and services provided to the people. The government's initiative to set up the Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysia Police is in line with the government's aim to improve the country's civil service," he was quoted by national news agency Bernama.

He urged national legal institutions to take appropriate measures to strengthen their administration in discharging their duties efficiently so that cases can be disposed quickly and effectively to ensure justice is served.

"It is the same with the Parliament. I'd like to remind everyone, be they senators or members of Parliament, to uphold the integrity of the Malaysian Parliament by raising important issues to be debated wisely and maturely to ensure that people's rights and interests are really pursued."

The king also called for the progress of Islam to be enhanced in all aspects.

He said the implementation of Islam Hadhari (Civilisational Islam) was a long-term plan by the government to ensure that Muslims returned to the practice of Islamic values in total.

"I see the Islam Hadhari concept as an approach to develop humans and the country in accordance with the Islamic principles and in line with the Islamic civilization perspective.

"It's an effort to boost the growth of Muslims and the country," reported Bernama.

Honest and committed

Expressing gratitude to God, the king was also happy to see Malaysia's continued growth with its economy recording a robust growth of 7.1 percent last year.

He said the country's economic fundamentals have recovered and have the potential for further expansion.

"Domestic and foreign investments have picked up, with the private sector returning to helm the nation's economic growth.

"Inflation rate and unemployment remained low while the nation's reserves are increasing," he said.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin said Malaysia must continue to improve its resilience and competitiveness in facing the challenges from within and outside.

The government's efforts to bring Malaysia to greater heights and for a brighter future, he said, would be realised only if Malaysians were united and played their role honestly and with commitment.

He urged Malaysians to fulfil their responsibilities as citizens who truly loved this country.

"Actually, Malaysia is the right symbol of dignity and sovereignty for all Malaysians. Hence, Malaysia's future must be shaped by its citizens themselves," he added.

Two made 'Tun'

Meanwhile, more than 1,800 people received various titles, awards and medals from the King in conjunction with his birthday today.

Judiciary chief Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim (photo, left) and former cabinet minister Mohd Ghazalie Shafie, 83, were conferred the title 'Tun'.

Another 25 including judges, senior civil servants, diplomats, former cabinet members and corporate chieftains received the 'Tan Sri' title, reported Bernama.

Among them are Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail, new Armed Forces chief Admiral Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor, Court of Appeal president Abdul Malek Ahmad and Chief Judge of Malaya Siti Norma Yaakob.

Forty-four more were conferred awards that carried the title 'Datuk'. A number of former journalists and media marketing personnel were also recipients of the awards.