PUTRAJAYA, 1 FEBRUARY, 2012: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah has urged the people of the federal territories to remain steadfast and to continue to work hard amid uncertainty in the global economy.

This followed the slowdown in the United States, Europe and Japan, the inflationary pressure due to the hike in commodity prices, the debt crisis in Europe and the slowdown in global trade, he said.

"This global situation will directly impact the Malaysian economy. The people, including the residents of the federal territories should remain committed, continue to work hard and give their support to the government's initiatives to strengthen the country's economy," he said at the investiture ceremony in conjunction with the Federal Territories' Day at Istana Melawati, here.

Present were Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman.

His Majesty also called on the people of various races to continue nurturing unity and strengthening the cooperation among them to ensure continuous prosperity for the country.

He also expressed happiness at the progress achieved by Kuala Lumpur and said that the national capital was on the right track to become a global city and to be among the world's 20 most liveable cities by 2020.

He also hoped that the Labuan Federal Territory would continue to expand as a halal hub for marine-based products, a hub for oil and gas logistics as well as a premier tourism destination.

"The same goes for the Federal Territory of Putrajaya. Apart from becoming the federal administrative center, I am happy that Putrajaya is also making steps towards becoming a sustainable and prosperous city for its people," he said.

Tuanku Abdul Halim also said that various efforts were being carried out to turn the federal territories into an advanced and peaceful region.

Earlier, during the ceremony, he presented awards in conjunction with this year's Federal Territories' Day.

Among the recipients was Mubarak president Tan Sri Abu Hassan Omar who received the Darjah Seri Utama Mahkota Wilayah (SUMW), which carries the title Datuk Seri Utama.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar who was among the recipients for the SUMW was not present as he is on a working visit to London.

There were five who were conferred with the Darjah Seri Mahkota Wilayah which carries the title Datuk Seri, namely MIC president Datuk Seri G Palanivel, Housing and Local Government Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Ahmad Kabit, KUB Malaysia Berhad chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Abdul Samad, MCA Public Services and Complaints Bureau chief Datuk Seri Michael Chong Ten Soo and Malaysian Association for the Blind deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamed Iqbal Kuppapitchai Rawther.

A total 34 people were conferred with the Panglima Mahkota Wilayah which carries the title Datuk, 30 received the Johan Mahkota Wilayah, 74 were given the Ahli Mahkota Wilayah and 84 received the Pangkuan Mahkota Wilayah.


- Bernama