King urges Malaysians not to be misled by deviant ideologies

He said the conflicts which happened in various parts of the world and terrorist attacks in countries like Belgium, Turkey and France, and lately, Indonesia, worried him as the attacks not only caused destruction to property, but also claimed the lives of innocent people.

"This is the doing of terrorist groups as a result of the emergence of ideologies that are too extreme which deviate from the true teachings of Islam," he said at an investiture in conjunction with his birthday celebration, at Istana Negara here today.

Also present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, foreign envoys and other dignitaries.

Thirty-nine people, out of a list of 1,546 recipients of federal honours were conferred their awards at today's investiture.

Tuanku Abdul Halim said the investiture today would be his last in his second tenure as the di-Pertuan Agong, which ends this year.

He was also the fifth Yang di-Pertuan Agong (1970-1975).

"What is certain is that time runs so fast. I am grateful that during my rule, I am given the opportunity by Allah SWT to see the country develop from one phase to another," he said.

His Majesty said that Malaysia, under Najib's administration, had succeeded in overcoming global economic challenges, thus placing the country on the world map for its various achievements.

"I am happy and noted the report on the success of the country's transformation efforts carried out under the National Transformation Policy showing that the overall Key Performance Indicator for the government's transformation programme has achieved 99 per cent," he added.

He said the KPI for the Economic Transformation Programme was 111 per cent and 108 per cent for the Strategic Reform Initiative.

"This gives me the confidence that the government under Najib's leadership has achieved an impressive level of performance, and driving Malaysia on the right track to be a high income developed country within the time planned," he said.

His Majesty also conveyed his condolences to family members of those killed in the helicopter crash in Batang Lupar, Sarawak last May 5. Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Noriah Kasnon was among those who perished in the tragedy.

"The Raja Permaisuri Agong and I pray that their souls are blessed and their family members and relatives remain strong," he said.

Noriah was posthumously awarded the darjah Panglima Setia Mahkota, which carries the title "Tan Sri", at the ceremony. The award was received by her daughter, Anis Athirah Mohd Ishak.

On Malaysians in general, Tuanku Abdul Halim said they had proven that their diverse race, religion and culture was not a hindrance or a problem, but a uniqueness that had built their strength.

"This is in line with my desire to see not only unity is preserved, but for it to become stronger to overcome all odds," he added.