HER Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha yesterday consented to attend a high tea reception in conjunction with Her Majesty’s birthday celebrations hosted by the Association of Wives of Cabinet Ministers, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries and associated members.

Accompanying Her Majesty were HRH Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, HRH Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, HRH Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah and HRH Princess Hajah Masna.

Upon arrival at the Royal Berkshire Hall of the Jerudong Park Polo Club, Her Majesty and the royal entourage were greeted by chairperson of the association, Datin Paduka Hajah Jahrah, and the spouses of Cabinet Ministers.

In her welcoming address, Datin Paduka Hajah Jahrah, on behalf of group members, extended her royal birthday greetings, wishing Her Majesty well and to be always under the protection of Allah the Almighty.

She noted that the group held a religious ceremony to mark Her Majesty’s birthday celebrations on October 5, 2013 with a Khatam Al-Quran, mass Sunnat Hajat prayer and a Doa Kesyukuran at the residence of Datin Hjh Alimah, spouse of the Minister of Religious Affairs.

Datin Paduka Hajah Jahrah later pointed out the various successful activities the association had organised, which included visits to the Belait District, where association members had the opportunity to mingle with residents of several villages and mukims, and observed economic activities carried out by the villagers.

The association has also successfully collected funds to cover the renovation and upgrading costs of a therapy room for Pusat Ehsan in Kg Bengkurong.

The day also saw Her Majesty cutting a birthday cake, receiving a ‘pesambah’ from association members and consenting to a group photo session.

Her Majesty and other members of the royal family later consented to a ‘Junjung Ziarah’ and mingling session with association members.

The high tea reception yesterday included several religious performances including a Nasyid and Tausyeh performance. - Borneo Bulletin (14 October 2013)