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 yesterday graced the 30th Civil Service Day celebration at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas.
His Majesty was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
His Majesty and members of the royal family were greeted on arrival by Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris bin Pengiran Maharaja Lela Pengiran Muda Abdul Kahar; Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof as the Co-Chairman of the Executive Committee for the 30th Civil Service Day celebration; Deputy Minister (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Mohd Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos; and Deputy Minister (Energy) at the Prime Minister’s Office Haji Mohamad Azmi bin Haji Mohd Hanifah, as the Co-Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee for the 30th Civil Service Day celebration.
The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah led by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.
The recitation was dedicated to Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam, and to officers and personnel who have passed away.
At the ceremony, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien was proclaimed as the ‘Tokoh Jasawan Negara’ or National Meritorious Figure, for the Anugerah Penghargaan Khas Jasawan Perkhidmatan Awam (APKJPA), in remembrance and appreciation of Al-Marhum’s contributions, including the promulgation of the Brunei Constitution on September 29, 1959 which marked a new era for Brunei Darussalam towards the formation of self-government and in achieving full independence.
Video presentations also highlighted the theme of Civil Service Day as well as Civil Service Awards, namely the Premier Innovation Award (AIP); Public Sector Performance Grading Programme (3PSA); Excellent Civil Service Employee Award (APCPA); the Civil Service Personnel Meritorious and Dedication Awards (AKB2PA) for 2023.
His Majesty then presented the awards and certificates of appreciation to the recipients.
His Majesty also toured the 30th Civil Service Day Special Exhibition which highlighted the history, evolution and modernisation of the country’s civil service. – Rokiah Mahmud
