KUALA LUMPUR: The King wants efforts to improve the running and management of government departments to be continued and extended to all agencies and other government institutions.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail said yesterday that the Government’s initiatives to improve the civil service must be expedited for the people’s well-being and the nation’s progress.

“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 Malaysian Police is in line with its aim to improve the country’s civil service,” he said in his birthday speech.

He said legal institutions, for instance, should take appropriate measures to carry out their tasks efficiently.

Cases should be disposed of quickly and effectively to ensure justice was served to the people, he said.

“It is the same with Parliament. I’d like to remind everyone, be they senators or members of parliament, to uphold the integrity of Parliament by raising important issues to be debated wisely and maturely, to ensure the people’s rights and interests are really pursued,” he said.

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

He said implementation of Islam Hadhari was a long-term plan by the Government to ensure Muslims return to Islamic values.

“I see the Islam Hadhari concept as an approach to develop the people and the country in accordance with Islamic principles and in line with the Islamic civilisation perspective. It’s an effort to boost the growth of Muslims and the country,” he added.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin was happy to see Malaysia’s continued growth, with its economy recording a robust growth of 7.1% last year. He said the country’s economic fundamentals had recovered, with potential for further expansion.

“Domestic and foreign investments have picked up, with the private sector returning to helm the nation’s economic growth. Inflation and unemployment remain low, while the nation’s reserves are increasing.”

The monarch said Malaysia must continue to improve its level of resilience and competitiveness in facing challenges from within and outside. He said the Government’s efforts to bring the country to greater heights and a brighter future would be realised only if Malaysians were united and committed to the nation’s aspirations.

In this regard, he urged Malaysians to fulfil their responsibilities as citizens who truly loved this country.

“Malaysia’s future must be shaped by its citizens,” he added. – Bernama