KUALA LUMPUR (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Hong Kong superstar Jackie Chan surprised many when he turned up to receive his Datukship from the Malaysian King on Sunday, in conjunction with Federal Territory Day.

When the name "Chan Kong Sang" was announced, many among the audience and recipients were startled to see the star, seated in front beside popular preacher Ustaz Kazim Elias, walk up to the dais to meet the King.

The 60-year-old actor-director's birth name is actually Chan Kong Sang, while his stage name is Seng Lung (Cantonese) or Chen Long (Mandarin).

Some of those suprised were heard murmuring: "Is that Jackie Chan?"

The actor did not turn up for the rehearsal of the investiture ceremony last Saturday.

After receiving his award, Chan, who was smartly attired in a songkok, black suit and sporting black-rimmed glasses, walked back to his seat before being whisked away by a palace official.

A smiling Chan later posed for pictures on the palace stairs with his award.

He also took pictures with several people, including Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who uploaded the photo on his Twitter account.

Chan, who is known for movies such as Rush Hour, Police Story and Drunken Master in a remarkable career spanning five decades, was among the 68 recipients of the Panglima Mahkota Wilayah, which carries the title Datuk.

In his Twitter account, Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said Chan was an actor with many fans in the country, and "can promote Malaysia, especially Kuala Lumpur, and is deserving (of the award)".

"We should be proud that he received the Datuk award," he wrote, posting pictures of the actor filming Police Story in Kuala Lumpur.

Datuk Seri Adnan also thanked Chan for receiving the award, writing "don't forget Kuala Lumpur".