INDIVIDUALS comprising senior government officials, as well as local and foreign civil servants, honoured for their contribution to the nation’s development during the Investiture Ceremony held in conjunction with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 67th birthday celebration yesterday shared their proud moment with the Borneo Bulletin.

Their loyalty and unwavering support to nation-building and the Government of His Majesty have earned them the highest among recognitions from His Majesty himself.

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Mohd Yusof who was conferred with ‘The Most Eminent Order of Islam Brunei Second Class’ (DSSUB) by His Majesty praised Allah the Almighty for the reward and expressed his appreciation and gratitude to His Majesty for the conferment. “I pray to Allah the Almighty to bless His Majesty to lead the country towards greater heights,” he said, before adding that he will work harder in fulfilling his responsibilities to enhance the teachings and development of Islam in the country.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, who was conferred with the ‘Most Honourable Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei Second Class’ (DPMB) also shared the same sentiment. “I am truly grateful to Allah the Almighty and would like to express my sincerest gratitude to His Majesty for this recognition. I will strive and put more dedication in my services to the government, especially to the Ministry of Health to offer the best of health services for the people,” she said.

Brunei-Muara District Officer, Haji Jamain bin Momin, a ‘Most Blessed Order of Setia Negara Brunei Third Class’ (SNB) recipient said that he felt honoured for the recognition. “I am really thankful for this, and coming from our beloved ruler, today marks a very meaningful day for me as a Bruneian citizen. I pray that Allah the Almighty will always bless His Majesty and our nation. We are all grateful to experience the wise leadership of His Majesty,” he added.

Another SNB medal recipient, Senior Superintendent of Police Pengiran Haji Mohd Roslin bin Pengiran Haji Bakar, Director of Logistics at the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) also expressed his utmost appreciation for the conferment. “Praise be to Allah the Almighty and Thank You His Majesty for this great honour.”

On his 32nd year of service at the RBPF, he also extended his appreciation to the former Commissioner of Police, Pehin Orang Kaya Pendikar Alam Dato Paduka Seri Hj Hasrin bin Dato Paduka Hj Sabtu for all his support rendered towards him during his tenure.

He also encouraged his fellow police officers to be more committed to their daily work routine, adding that all their hard work will pay off. “I hope that the RBPF will continue to excell in serving our ruler and the nation, by upholding the law to ensure peace and security for our stability and development”.

Meanwhile, another SNB medal recipient, Dr Hj Haroon Mandath Pillay, Specialist and Head of Department of Neurosurgery, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital said that it was a great honour for him. “I am thankful to His Majesty for conferring me the decoration. I am also thankful to the Ministry of Health for all their support in developing neurosurgery. I have been working in this country for seven years now and I always enjoyed my time here,” he said.

“This recognition makes me feel humble and inspires me to contribute to His Majesty’s Government in many ways more than one. There is no limitation to how much we can give to a country. My belief is that we must not just be content to our daily 9-5 jobs. We must always look for opportunities in areas related or maybe unrelated to one’s expertise and offer one’s help and services,” he added. - Borneo Bulletin (16 September 2013)