A recent study showed that Malaysians enjoy a high standard of comfortable and happy family life, revealed Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today.

The premier, who did not name the study or those behind it, said it showed the index on comfortable and happy family was at 8.2 from the highest scale of 10.

He said the study also showed the index on the people's courtesy was at 7.2 from the scale of 10.

"To have an index of more than seven is a good achievement. We must make more efforts to raise the index from time to time," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Abdullah, who is also internal security minister, was speaking at the ministry's monthly assembly in Putrajaya.

The prime minister told government servants to carry out their jobs sincerely, with the intention of serving the people and making the people happy instead of enriching themselves.

Economic growth

He said the people were now more confident in the country's economic growth following the increase in investments, vibrant capital market and the stronger financial position.

"The country's economy has improved. Foreign and local investments have exceeded RM40 billion. The capital markets are active, with high performance, volume and index.

"The country's financial position is also getting stronger and stronger," he said, adding that the people are more relieved now compared to before.

Last year, Malaysia attracted local and foreign investments amounting to RM46 billion via 1,077 projects approved in the manufacturing sector as opposed to RM31 billion in 2005.

The total trade was at RM1.06 trillion last year with export at RM588.95 billion dan import at RM480.49 billion. This is a 10.5 percent increase since last year.

"The performance of the economy has instilled hope in the people," said Abdullah, adding that the people also want progress, peace and security.

In view of this, he said the Internal Security Ministry has a big role to play. The premier also reiterated his call for a more effective public delivery system.