Queen Elizabeth II on Friday sent a message of congratulations to Malaysia's King Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin on the 50th anniversary of his country's independence from Britain.

The day was marked with pomp and spectacle in Malaysia, with fireworks blazing over the skies of the capital Kuala Lumpur.

Queen Elizabeth, 81, was five years into her reign when Malaysia won its independence, under the name Malaya.

The queen's second son, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, represented the British monarch at the celebrations in Kuala Lumpur.

"I have much pleasure in sending you and the people of Malaysia my very best wishes on the occasion of your 50th anniversary of independence," the queen said in her message.

"I am delighted that His Royal Highness The Duke of York will be attending your celebrations."

Malaysia an inspiration

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown also added his congratulations in a message to his Malaysian counterpart Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"At a time when the world still faces tremendous challenges on global development, Malaysia stands out as an inspiration," Brown wrote.

"In 50 years, Malaysia has made huge strides towards reaching the goal of developed nation status by 2020, and shows the way for other developing countries.

"The UK is proud to have been a partner of Malaysia during this success. Our relationship is rich both in breadth and depth.

"Trade, education and defence are at its heart; but as our horizons have expanded, so too has our relationship on the issues for our shared future like climate change.

"I wish Malaysia as much success in the future as it has achieved in the last 50 years."