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 consented to award Brunei Darussalam’s state decorations to 14 recipients at the audience and investiture ceremony in conjunction with the monarch’s 79th birthday celebration, held at the Balai Singgahsana Indera Buana of Istana Nurul Iman on Tuesday.
Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Huraini binti Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Jaya Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hurairah and Dato Paduka Dr Thirunavukkarasu Ganesan were among the two recipients bestowed with The Most Honourable Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei Second Class (Darjah Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei Yang Amat Mulia – DPMB).
Expressing her gratitude to Allah the Almighty for the blessings showered upon her, Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Huraini noted that she deeply appreciated the recognition bestowed upon her by His Majesty.
“I pray that His Majesty and other members of the royal family will always be blessed with good health, and that Brunei Darussalam will always be safe and prosperous under His Majesty’s leadership,” she said.
Datin Dr Hajah Huraini began her service with the Government of His Majesty in 1999, and has held various positions in the public sector prior to her appointment as the Clerk to the Privy Council, Secretary to the Cabinet Ministers’ Council and Clerk to the Legislative Council on January 9, 2024.
Among the positions she had held were Education Officer at the Special Education Unit, Acting Head of Unit SPN 21 at the Office of the Permanent Secretary (Core Education), Ministry of Education; Senior Special Duties Officer at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO); and Director of Pejabat Wawasan Brunei, PMO.
Prior to her current appointment, she served as the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Vision) at the PMO.
Her work experience spans a range of areas including education and inclusive education, policy, monitoring and evaluation, strategy management, foresight and futures thinking, and sustainable development.
Datin Dr Hajah Huraini shared that she finds motivation from everyone she meets, but ultimately, Alhamdulillah, the most important thing is the nawaitu (intention).
“As usual, to achieve the Brunei Vision 2035 is high, it’s aspirational, but it requires everyone to work together and work hard. I think the titah of His Majesty today was a reminder for us to actually answer His Majesty’s call and to work towards that vision,” she added.
Meanwhile, Dato Paduka Dr Ganesan also expressed his gratitude and thanked His Majesty for bestowing the DPMB Second Class, adding that it was truly a great honour and aprivilege.
“It reflects His Majesty’s extreme care and kindness to everyone in the country. The monarch is so loved because of his kindness and care.
“I have been living in Brunei for 30 years. I joined Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) in 1995 and started the Department of Cardiology and Medicine. Later, the Cardiac Centre started in 2002 and JPMC became known as Gleneagles JPMC Cardiac Centre, where I am currently working as a cardiologist surgeon and Director of Cardiology. I continue to look after cardiology patients to this day.”
He further noted that this was perhaps the proudest moment for him and his family, expressing their deepest thanks and gratitude to His Majesty.
“We owe our absolute loyalty to him, and it reminds us to provide better service to the people of Brunei with His Majesty’s blessings.”
He said this was the happiest moment for him in Brunei, adding that every day in Brunei, he and his family feel very blessed. He often tells his colleagues and fellow doctors that Brunei is a paradise, and they simply enjoy living here and offering their service – which he considers most important for his family.
His two children grew up and studied at Jerudong International School before pursuing their studies abroad. His eldest now works as a nephrologist in Hawaii, while his youngest is currently pursuing studies in Oklahoma in the field of computer science.
Asked about his view on the general health of Bruneians, Dato Paduka Dr Ganesan observed that the population is becoming more health-conscious.
He said the starting point of health awareness in Brunei was the walkathon launched by His Majesty several years ago, which stimulated public interest in health as a form of preventive medicine.
“The more you exercise, the healthier you become. Along with healthy eating habits, you can avoid many illnesses such as diabetes, heart attacks and high cholesterol. It is also encouraging to see more gyms and recreational parks for the public to engage in routine fitness activities.”
Meanwhile, one of Brunei’s prominent business figures, Shaikh Haji Khalid bin Shaikh Haji Ahmad, was also among the recipients at the audience and investiture ceremony.
Shaikh Haji Khalid was bestowed with The Most Honourable Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei Third Class (Darjah Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei Yang Amat Mulia – SMB).
In a brief interview at the ceremony, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty for the great honour.
“I am grateful to have been recognised and given this medal as a testament to my hard work and dedication throughout the years. Today is a special moment for me, and I am truly inspired to continue contributing to our nation towards its betterment.”
News source: Borneo Bulletin
Pic source: INFO FOTO
