Glittering Night For Her Majesty
By Khairunnisa Ibrahim and Dewi Mohd Sofri

Bandar Seri Begawan - It was an evening full of colour and gaiety as members of various women's associations in Brunei Darussalam came out in force to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha last night.

The celebration, organised by the Women's Council of Brunei Darussalam with the Brunei Shell Ladies Association, Penjuru and Pekerti, was held at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.

Accompanying Her Majesty to the event were Her Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar binti Hakim Mazhar, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Bini Datin Hajah Faezah binti Dato Haji Nasir, Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah.

Also present were Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Amal Umi KalthumAl-Islam and Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Noor Ehsani.

The president of the Women's Council, Datin Hajah Fatimah, in her welcoming speech, wished Her Majesty longevity and continued health and prosperity on the auspicious occasion of Her Majesty's birthday.

She said the women's associations felt honoured and privileged to be hosting such a joyous event.

Datin Hajah Fatimah also remarked that this was the second royal birthday celebration jointly organised by the four associations, which reflected their good relations and positive outlook.

Their collaboration was also an indicator of, and boded well for, their spirit of cooperation, particularly as Brunei was set to host the 12th Asean Confederation of Women's Organisation, to be held from November 17 to 19, she said.

Her Majesty and the other royal guests enjoyed a special videoclip that had been produced for the occasion, which portrayed a collage of Her Majesty's involvement in various activities since the 1980s as well as previous royal birthday celebrations which she- had attended.

The video presentation also showed Her Majesty's transition from her school years until the present day. The highlight of the ceremony was the cake cutting event, followed by the presentation of specially prepared pesambah or gifts, as token of appreciation and love for Her Majesty from various women's associations.

The gifts ranged from elaborate ornamental crystal flowers to special plaques and adornment.

A choir of women provided beautiful background music throughout the ceremony.

There was also a specially composed birthday song that was performed by the choir especially for Her Majesty, which described her as a symbol and idol for women in the country.

The night's entertainment was provided by members of the women's associations.

The performances, which included drama, song and dance, showcased local culture and those of other countries.

Traditional songs such as the Indung Anak Melayu and comedic sketch entitled "Nostalgia Hari Raya" added to the celebratory mood.

The function last night was also infused with the festive and jubilant mood of Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, with Hari Raya songs also being showcased.

The Women's Council had also held a doa kesyukuran ceremony last month to celebrate the diamond birthday anniversary of Her Majesty. The ceremony, which included the recital of the Yassin and mass prayers, was held at the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah mosque in the capital.

Her Majesty's birthday falls on October 7, two months after that of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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