Her Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and Yang Teramat Mulia Azrinaz Mazhar, Tuesday consented to grace a Women’s Special Gathering to commemorate the birthday anniversary of Prophet Muhammad SAW held at International Convention Centre in Berakas. Upon arrival at the centre, Her Majesty the Raja Isteri and Yang Teramat Mulia were welcomed by the Special Gathering’s Executive Committee Members. Also attending were other members of the royal family.
The ceremony began with the reading of the Al-Quran by Dayang Norezah binti Haji Md. Deli, the first runner-up of last year’s South-East Asia Youth Quran Reading Competition.
In her welcoming remarks, the Co-Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Dayang Apsah binti Haji Abdul Majid expressed hope that efforts in conducting such gatherings will strengthen the community’s trust towards women whose contribution was needed towards the development of Islam, the nation and the country.
This was followed by a special talk delivered by an invited speaker from Malaysia, Wan Shohor Bani bin Leman. He among other things touched on good characters that need to be practised whenever or wherever one might be.
The ceremony’s highlight was the presentation of Special Bakti Hijrah for Women by Her Majesty the Raja Isteri. The first to receive the award was Datin Hajah Zainab binti Haji Abu Bakar, aged 76. The second recipient was Dayang Naemah binti Haji Md. Yussof, 66. Each recipient received 10 thousand dollars cash, honorary certificates, souvenirs and free medical expenses in any hospital in the country. The awards were given for the first time ever.
There was also a presentation of dikir marhaban by officials and staff of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Education and members of the Women Council.
A doa selamat was read to bless the ceremony. Before taking leave of the function, Her Majesty and Yang Teramat Mulia consented to receive greetings from members of the Organising Committee.
(19th Apr 2006)
