He said he was grateful to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for recognising his contributions and services to the nation.
“This year will be one I will never forget,” said the former lieutenant-commander of the Royal Malaysian Navy. “I am as happy as I could ever be.”
Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah yesterday conferred the Darjah Kebesaran Panglima Jasa Negara (PJN), which carries the title “Datuk”, on the Olympian and double international.
The badminton players who won the 1967 Thomas Cup were also recipients of the same award in conjunction with the Agong’s official birthday.
Karu, as he is known, is the only man to be made the national captain of athletics and cricket. He was the Malaysian champion over the 400m and the 400m hurdles from 1961 to 1965.
Batu Gajah-born Karu wore the colours of Perak, Johor, Sabah, Kuala Lumpur and the Armed Forces during his sporting career from 1957 until 1992.
He not only made his debut as an Olympic quarter-miler at Tokyo in 1964, and played cricket for Malaya at 19, but devoted himself to sports for possibly longer than anyone in Malaysian sporting history.
Karu said his passion for athletics now was devoted to the development of children, aged six to 12, to enhance their inherent potential to the next level.
“I work with Young Talent Track & Field (YTTF), a non-profit sports organisation, and derive a lot of satisfaction working with kids,” he said.
Sprint legend M Jegathesan led the stream of former greats sending congratulatory messages to their long-time teammate and friend.
He said Karu’s Datukship for his contribution to athletics and cricket as an athlete, official and promoter of the sports was “well-deserved and a long-awaited recognition”.
Former Olympic javelin thrower Nashatar Singh said: “I am very happy that at last they have recognised him, and he truly deserves the title ‘Datuk’.”
He said Karu had been involved in sports all his life and that his dedication in helping young athletes to achieve sports excellence as chairman of YTTF was exemplary.
Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF) vice-president Mark Ling also felt Karu should have been recognised for his services as an outstanding athlete and official many years ago.
He hoped other champions who had brought glory for the nation at elite level would be recognised as well.
Malaysian Cricket Association (MCA) president Iqbal Ali Kassim Ali said while the Datukship was “long overdue”, the cricketing circle was overjoyed with the accolade bestowed on Karu, who also served as secretary of the body.
“A mentor to many and personally to me, he’s the perfect officer, sportsman and gentleman,” he said.