Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam graced a reception for Her Majesty’s 78th birthday celebration at Royal Berkshire Hall, Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club, Kampong Jerudong on Sunday.
The reception was hosted by the group of wives of Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries and its Affiliated members (KI) and other senior officials.
Accompanying Her Majesty were Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman; Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah binti Pengiran Haji Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.
Upon arrival, Her Majesty and members of the royal family were greeted by the spouse of Minister of Religious Affairs Datin Hajah Nahriah binti Haji Awang Asli as Chairperson II of KI and the Secretary of KI, and spouses of other Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers.
Also present to welcome Her Majesty were Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof; Deputy Minister (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dato Seri Paduka Mohd Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos; as well as permanent secretary and acting deputy permanent secretary of civil service governance at the PMO.
The ceremony commenced with a speech delivered by Datin Hajah Nahriah, who, on behalf of the KI, expressed appreciation to Her Majesty in consenting to grace the ceremony.
Datin Hajah Nahriah also wished Her Majesty longevity, safety, protection and good health. She outlined some of the activities organised over the year that included religious ceremonies such as Al-Quran reading sessions, Khatam Al-Quran, Sunnat Hajat prayers, and Doa Selamat and Doa Kesyukuran ceremonies. Other activities included a cooking session with Datin Faridah, a Korean dish session at the Korean Ambassador’s residence and an Ikebana workshop organised by the Japanese Embassy in Brunei Darussalam.
She added that the group also distributed donations to charities, such as the Humanitarian Fund for Palestinians in Gaza and the Orphans Fund, and participated as a support group at World Cancer Day. Her Majesty then consented to cut the birthday cake and receive a pesambah from the KI members.
In conjunction with Her Majesty’s birthday celebration, a special book titled ‘Permaisuri Kesayangan: Inspirasi Wanita Islam, Bertakhta Di Hati Rakyat’ was launched.
Co-produced by the PMO and the Information Department, and sponsored by Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB), the book highlights Her Majesty’s life from her childhood to her teenage years, featuring nostalgic images and a special poem and prayer.
The book celebrates Her Majesty’s grace, warmth and close bond with the royal family, capturing her presence at official events and her loving nature.
Since the marriage to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam on July 29, 1965, Her Majesty’s life is marked by official duties, where she serves as a role model and offers unwavering support to His Majesty.
Her Majesty’s royal aura, marked by her elegance, moral integrity and wisdom has earned her the title of ‘Queen of the Hearts of the People’.
The event also saw a special video titled ‘Pesona Diraja’, co-produced by the PMO and the Department of Radio Television Brunei, followed by several performances, including a song composed especially for Her Majesty’s birthday celebration, ‘Puja Usia’, performed by KI members.
