BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, conferred state decorations on 16 government officials yesterday to mark his 69th birthday.

During the investiture ceremony at Istana Nurul Iman, Deputy Police Commissioner Hj Mohd Jammy Hj Muhd Shah Al-Islam was among the four recipients bestowed with The Most Gallant Order of Pahlawan Negara Brunei (PSPNB) First Class, which carries the title Dato Seri Pahlawan. “This comes with responsibility. I have to show that I have the quality to be a good leader to my men. I need to show them that we have to go on the right path. It’s very important to imbue certain values in our men, to improve themselves, not to rest on their laurels,” he said.

Brigadier General (U) Hj Hamzah Hj Sahat, Joint Force Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, said he was also honoured to receive the PSPNB First Class. The award motivated him to “boost efforts for the sake of the nation”. The other recipients of the PSPNB First Class were Royal Brunei Land Force Commander Brigadier General Pg Dato Paduka Aminan Pg Hj Mahmud and Royal Brunei Navy Commander First Admiral Pg Norazmi Pg Hj Muhammad.

Meanwhile, Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque Imam Pehin Khatib Hj Suhaili Hj Metali Al-Hafiz and Mukim Peramu Penghulu Pengarah Hj Ismit Pengarah Mukim Hj Naim earned The Most Honourable Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei (DPMB) Second Class, which carries the title Dato Paduka.

Three people were also presented with The Most Eminent Order of Islam Brunei (SSUB) Third Class, followed by The Most Blessed Order of Setia Negara Brunei (SNB) Third Class for seven other recipients.

Mohd Riza Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos, deputy permanent secretary of communications, believed the biggest responsibility of accepting the SNB Third Class is to “work hard towards fulfilling the aspirations of His Majesty’s Government”.

“Government officers will always strive to meet the objectives of the government. Everybody has to put in hard work... Work to the best of your abilities and don’t forget teamwork, government policies and processes that must be adhered to,” he said.

Dr Grace Jessica Ang, who was among the four female recipients of the SNB Third Class, felt overwhelmed to receive the medal after 30 years at the Ministry of Health.

Prior to serving as a consultant, she began her notable career as Brunei’s first female dentist and dental specialist.

“I am going to carry on working as hard as I have been and continue contributing to society. Our dental services are still expanding and we’ve got lots and lots of new local graduates who are fantastic,” she commented.

The annual investiture ceremony at Istana Nurul Iman was witnessed by hundreds of guests, including members of the royal family as well as state dignitaries and cabinet ministers from Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines.

The Brunei Times