Thanksgiving ceremony for PEKIRA chairman
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Guest of honour Pg Dato Paduka Hj Jaluddin, right, handing a souvenir to Awg Hj Umar bin Mohammad.

A thanksgiving ceremony was held for recipient of the Tokoh Guru 2003 Hj Omar Mohammad, the chairman of former civil servants (PEKIRA) at the Crowne Princess Hotel Restaurant in Mile 1 Jalan Tutong Saturday afternoon.

The guest of honour was PEKIRA's President Pg Dato Paduka Hj Jaluddin.

Hj Omar was elected chairman for the association for the year 2003 to 2005 in an election held last July.

PEKIRA, with members totalling more than 300 people, was recently being provided with an office at Block 9, B2 No 2 Flat Anggerek Desa, Berakas by His Majesty's Government.

The association's Director of Information and Public Relations Awg Hj Mohd Zaide bin Hj Damit said PEKIRA is currently embarking on a membership drive to attract the more than 3,000 ex-civil servants who still shun away from joining the association.

He said the association needs more ex-civil servants to join them to run and finance projects as well as to unite all former government staff.

"The association will soon be running a petrol station in Mentiri and currently PEKIRA is inviting all ex-civil servants to participate in the business by purchasing shares.

"Interested ex-civil servants can come to our new office if they wish to purchase shares towards running the petrol station," he said.

The ex-civil servant association was formed eight years ago with objectives of safeguarding the welfare and well-being of former government employees; continuing their obligations and duties in the process of national development, and helping each other in business and entrepreneurship towards elevating the members' socio-economic status and image.

The association is open to all former civil servants.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin