His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, bestowed 688 individuals with honorary medals in recognition for their dedication to the government and the nation. The Investiture Ceremony was held yesterday at Balai Singgahsana Indera Kenchana, Istana Nurul Iman.

Recipients donned their customary black 'Cara Melayu' (men) and 'Baju Kurong' (women) with Jong Sarat (traditional gold-threaded woven fabric) and formal wear, as well as uniformed attire. Recipients waited patiently in rows of five, as their names were called out one by one.

The two-hour long ceremony, as in previous years, was conferred with the consent of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

Sixty-four recipients were bestowed Meritorious Service Medals (PJK), 359 received Excellent Service Medals (PIKB) and 265 received Long Service Medals (PKL).

Hj Abdullah bin Hj Abdul Halim, 54, who works as a Senior Cameraman at Radio Television Brunei felt proud after receiving the 'Pingat Indah Kerja Baik' medal.

"Being with RTB for 32 years is a blessing for me. I will maintain my work ethics to set an example for the younger generation and my colleagues at work."

PJK recipient Hjh Siti Sarah Hj Md Salleh, 54, a staff member at the Royal Brunei Police Force Headquarters expressed her appreciation for having been acknowledged for nearly 35 years of service with the Force.

Hjh Rohani Hj Abdul Bakar, an officer from the Department of Economic Planning and Development (JPKE) received not one but two medals yesterday - the PKL and PIKB.

She said, "I feel satisfied and proud for the recognition of my 23 years of service. The medals motivate me to work harder and contribute more towards the development of the country."

The Meritorious Service Medal (PJK) was instituted in 1954 for senior military and civil servants and is awarded sparingly to those who have been loyal to His Majesty's Government, the country and religion throughout the duration of their service.

The Excellent Service Medal (PIKB), granted early on in a government career, is only presented to those who have spent 12 to 15 years in service, while the Long Service Medal (PKL) is awarded to those who have been in service for 20 years.

The awards are based on the individuals' work merits that represent their contributions to the nation through government service. Recipient must also possess a continuously good track record and good behaviour.

Also present were Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria, Cabinet Ministers, Legislative Council members, deputy ministers and Manteri-Manteri Pedalaman, members of foreign diplomatic missions, permanent secretaries as well as heads of department.

Similar ceremonies will be held tomorrow and on Monday, April 23. - Borneo Bulletin (20 April 2012)