Six hundred and thirty-six individuals including government officials and staff, uniformed personnel and members of the private sector were awarded with state honorary medals yesterday in a ceremony held at Istana Nurul Iman.

By command of 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, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), represented the monarch in conferring the medals.

Leading the 84 PingatJasa Kebaktian (PJK), or Meritorious Service Medal, recipients was Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman, Permanent Secretary (Economy and Finance) at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

The Pingat Indah Kerja Baik (PIKB), or Excellent Service Medal, was awarded to 525 recipients.

A Doa Selamat to bless the ceremony was read by the State Mufti, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr. Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

Present at the ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik; Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, the Chief of Adat Istiadat Negeri; members of councils, Cabinet Ministers, deputy ministers, Pengiran-Pengiran Peranakan and Pehin-Pehin Manteri.

Also witnessing the event were ambassadors, high commissioners, permanent secretaries, heads of departments' and village heads.

In an interview with the media representative, Frankie Ngo (54) from R&T Electronic Services Sdn Bhd who received the Excellent Service Medal, said his company's contribution to people with special needs and to the National Day celebration as well as other sponsorships were taken into account to be selected to get the medal which he received for the first time.

Major (U) Haji Mohd Rahimin bin Haji Ismail, who has been in service with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) for the past 16 years, said sincerity in doing work and not solely aiming for honorarium would receive appreciation by the superiors.

Meanwhile, Commander Sonny Iskandar bin Rasani (35) who also received the Meritorious Service Medal, said he has been working for the past 16 years with the RBAF. "Tasks and responsibilities must be carried out diligently," he added.

Another Meritorious Service Medal winner, Lieutenant Ade Roddiane bin Haji Mohd Rosdi of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), said he was deployed to Mindanao in the Philippines between 2012 and 2013 as part of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) which comprised nine personnel. "It was a risky task judging by the situation there," he added.

Dayang Vivi Rohkininissmah binti Haji Mahmud from the Ministry of Education, a recipient of the Excellent Service Medal who has been working for the government for almost 16 years, said dedication and commitment in carrying out tasks and responsibilities without delay is crucial. "Every task given must be executed right away and if we are not familiar with the task, we must seek ways to solve it."

Faustina Woo Wai Sii, one of the youngest recipients to receive a Wushu gold medal at the Southeast Asian (SEA) games in Myanmar in 2013, also received the Excellent Service Medal. She said she is now serving with a coaching unit of the Youth and Sports Department.

"I feel surprised to receive the Excellent Service Medal and hope to take part in the Wushu Asian Championships and do the country proud," she added.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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