Kuala Pilah: Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, has reminded leaders and the people not to miss the opportunity to make the country better.
He said the people should be grateful for being given the chance to improve and rectify all the weaknesses in the country's administration.
"Learn from the past, because otherwise it will be repeated.
"Never again should we allow the country's earnings be used for the personal gain of individuals," he said at the investiture ceremony for state honours, awards and medals in conjunction with his 71st birthday in Seri Menanti Palace, here, today.
Also present were Tunku Ampuan Besar Negri Sembilan Tuanku Aishah Rohani Almarhum Tengku Besar Mahmud and his majesty's two princes Tunku Besar Seri Menanti Tunku Ali Redhauddin and Tunku Datuk Seri Zain Al-'Abidin.
Tuanku Muhriz added the country's administrative institution should never again be allowed to be obstructed from carrying out its due responsibilities.
"We should not lose control over manipulations," he added.
Hence, he said, the leadership of the Negri Sembilan government should be trustworthy, dignified and have high moral values to carry out the trust and responsibilities well.
"Work in harmony with every government machinery, from the federal level to the grassroots.
"Lead by example by working together to generate fruitful ideas for the well-being of the people and the continued prosperity of the state," he said.
Tuanku Muhriz also said in a plural country like Malaysia, inter-racial social relations are very important as it will inspire mutual respect of each other's customs and culture.
"Understanding and having mutual respect for each other will ensure more peace and harmony.
"Remember the motto on the national Coat of Arms, Unity is Strength," he added.
In conjunction with his majesty's birthday, Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar, Aminuddin Harun headed the list of 340 recipients of awards, stars and medals, with being conferred the Seri Setia Negri Sembilan Yang Cemerlang (SSNS) which carries the title of Datuk Seri.
Royal Malaysia Police Special Branch director Datuk Abdul Hamid Bador was also conferred the same award.
Three others received the Darjah Dato’ Paduka Negri Sembilan, Darjah Setia Bakti Negri Sembilan (16), Darjah Setia Negri Sembilan (9), Darjah Tuanku Muhriz (5), Darjah Pekerti Terpilih (10), Pingat Ahli Setia Negri Sembilan (42), Pingat Khidmat Cemerlang Masyarakat (86), Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (140), Pingat Khidmat Lama (15) dan Bentara Tuanku Muhriz (12).
