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 conferred state decorations on 26 individuals during an audience and investiture ceremony at Balai Singgahsana Indera Buana of Istana Nurul Iman yesterday.
Chief of Defence Forces of Royal Thai Armed Forces Dato Paduka Seri General Chalermphon Srisawasdi who was one of the recipients, expressed gratitude to His Majesty for bestowing him with The Most Exalted Order of Paduka Keberanian Laila Terbilang, 1st Class. He also hoped that the two countries will continue to maintain good bilateral relations.
Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Second Minister of Urban Development and Natural Resources and Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment of Sarawak Dato Paduka Seri Laila Jasa Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hassan also extended his gratitude for receiving The Most Distinguished Order of Paduka Seri Laila Jasa,1st Class (PSLJ).
“The conferment of the state decoration of PSLJ shows close relations between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia, including Sarawak, at both the governmental level and within the communities, emphasising social, business and trade ties.
“We will continue to collaborate and hope these bilateral ties will be enhanced from time to time,” said Dato Paduka Seri Laila Jasa Datuk Amar Haji Tengah.
Meanwhile, Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Director Dr Haji Mohammed Hussain bin Pehin Penyurat Haji Awang Ahmad who had served as a government officer for 20 years, received The Most Honourable Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei 3rd Class (SMB).
He said, “With the conferment, it serves as a platform of recognition and appreciation in honouring the contribution and services showcased in the public service, not only to me but others as well.”
He also believes that sincerity and trustworthiness are the key traits in fulfilling one’s duties in the public sector.
Permanent Secretary (Security and Law) at the Prime Minister’s Office Datin Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah binti Haji Mohammed Taib, meanwhile, said she is truly grateful for The Most Honourable Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei, 2nd Class (DPMB) received as it is a testament of His Majesty’s commitment to the development of the government and recognition of quality services.
“I am truly honoured to be recognised for my efforts. Hopefully, it will also serve as a motivation for others to work harder,” said Datin Paduka Hajah Nor Hashimah.
She believes that working smart, carrying out duties and responsibilities properly and having the right mindset are vital.
Director of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces’ Religious Directorate Commander Haji Ainolnizam bin Haji Ibrahim was among the recipients of The Most Honourable Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei, 3rd Class.
Having served the military for 23 years, he expressed his gratitude to His Majesty for the state decoration and acknowledgement of his contributions. – Rokiah Mahmud and Lyna Mohamad