Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha yesterday attended PEKERTI's 25th Silver Jubilee anniversary celebration at the Rizqun International Hotel in Gadong.

PEKERTI which stands for the Association of the Welfare of Police Wives and Families was established on December 23, 1985.

Accompanying Her Majesty to the ceremony were Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, YAM Pengiran Bini Hajah Faizah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna.

Her Majesty and the royal entourage were greeted on arrival by Datin Hjh Kamariah, President of PEKERTI, and committee members. Some 500 members of PEKERTI attended the ceremony.

Before the event began, Her Majesty and members of the royal family had a photo session with committee members of PEKERTI, before Her Majesty consented to sign a parchment.

The ceremony began with the singing of the national anthem led by the PEKERTI choir team.

In her welcoming speech, Datin Hjh Kamariah said that the celebration was held to mark the 25th silver jubilee anniversary of PEKERTI. In its 25 years of establishment, PEKERTI has grown to more than 3,000 members.

Datin Hjh Kamariah said, "Initially, the establishment of PEKERTI was aimed at filling the leisure time of its members by organising various activities. However, today, PEKERTI has more important tasks as it has its own nursery and kindergarten for its members and their families, as well as an orphanage fund."

According to Datin Hjh Kamariah, yesterday's celebration was also held to give members the opportunity to meet and interact with each other and to revive nostalgic memories during their involvement in PEKERTI.

Her Majesty later presented certificates of appreciation to some of PEKERTI's former presidents.

One of the recipients was Pengiran Datin Hjh Salmah who served as PEKERTI's president from 1981 to 1983. Another recipient was Datin Hjh Suraya Haji Harun who served as PEKERTI's president from 1984 to 1991.

Later, Her Majesty consented to present prizes to the Fruits and Vegetables Crafting Competition, which was held in the morning.

Division B team won first place, while Division A and members of PEKERTI's Committee won second and third places respectively.

The highlight of the ceremony was the cutting of PEKERTI 25th Silver Jubilee celebration cake, as well as the presentation of a pesambah by Datin Hjh Kamariah on behalf of PEKERTI members.

Her Majesty, the royal entourage, as well as other distinguished guests then witnessed a video presentation on the history and activities of PEKERTI. A choir performance 'PEKERTI Bunga Serikandi' followed soon after.

During the lunch reception, Her Majesty and the royal entourage were entertained by an array of dazzling performances staged by PEKERTI members and their families.

At the end of the celebration, members of PEKERTI and guests were given a chance to greet Her Majesty.

Before leaving the ceremony, Her Majesty and members of the royal family witnessed the Fruit and Vegetables Crafting exhibition. - Borneo Bulletin (18th May 2011)