BY Izah Azahari

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 in conjunction with His Majesty’s 76th birthday celebration.

A total of 266 government officials and members of the private sector were awarded state honorary medals for their dedication and loyalty in rendering services to the Sultanate during an investiture ceremony at the Balai Singgahsana Indera Kenchana, Istana Nurul Iman on Monday.

Also in attendance were 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; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.

The first medal awarded at the ceremony was the Most Blessed Order of Setia Negara Brunei Third Class (SNB) to Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office Pengiran Hajah Siti Nirmala binti Pengiran Haji Mohammad.

Fifty government officers and members of the private sector then received the Most Honourable Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei Third Class (SMB), while six received the Most Eminent Order of Islam Brunei Fourth Class (SUB).

His Majesty also conferred the Most Blessed Order of Setia Negara Brunei Fourth Class (PSB) on 187 recipients from the public and private sectors, while 22 government officers and staff received the Most Eminent Order of Islam Brunei Fifth Class (PUB).

Also present at the ceremony were Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria, Pengiran-Pengiran Peranakan, Cabinet ministers, permanent secretaries, senior government officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

A Doa Selamat was recited by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin