The king said they had been selected for the awards and honours and therefore, should be honest and trustworthy to the government, mind their behaviour, and not be involved in corrupt activities and crime.

“If a recipient is found to have tarnished the country’s image or commits a crime and has been punished by the court, then the award will be withdrawn. (Say) Goodbye to it.

“Accordingly, I have instructed the government to check the list of inmates in all prisons. I want any inmate with federal awards or honours to have their award withdrawn. This is only for federal awards and honours. As for awards conferred by other states, I do not interfere,” Sultan Ibrahim said.

He said this at the investiture ceremony during the conferment of awards, medals and honours in conjunction with the king’s official birthday today at the Balairung Seri of Istana Negara.

Also present was Raja Permaisuri Agong, Raja Zarith Sofiah.

The king noted that each year, many individuals aspire and work hard to receive the federal awards conferred in conjunction with the Agong’s official birthday and some fall victim to deception and are exploited by unscrupulous agents seeking to take advantage of them.

Sultan Ibrahim revealed some individuals personally lobbied him for the awards carrying the “Tan Sri” and “Datuk” titles, but he chose not to entertain them.

“I would like to make it known here that every nomination submitted by the government will be scrutinised one by one and consideration will be given to truly qualified candidates who have served and contributed to the government, the community and the country,” he said.

He added that is the reason why he conferred the federal awards, medals and honours to only 116 recipients this year.

Chief secretary to the government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar headed the list of 116 recipients.

He was conferred the Panglima Mangku Negara (PMN) which carries the title “Tan Sri”.

Also conferred the PMN were armed forces chief Mohammad Ab Rahman and inspector-general of police Razarudin Husain.

Six individuals were conferred the Darjah Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM), which also carries the title “Tan Sri”. They include attorney-general Ahmad Terrirudin Salleh, public services director-general Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz. Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Hamidin Amin, and Federal Court judge Harmindar Singh Dhaliwal.