Bandar Seri Begawan - Retirement does not mean the end of service to the country but a change of position that allows the retired public servant to help the government from another viewpoint but with the same objective.

This was yesterday highlighted by the Permanent Secretary (Corporate Affairs Division and Civil Administration) at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Awg Hj Mohd Abdoh bin Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdul Salam in his speech at a ceremony to award service certificates to retirees from the Prime Minister's Office and the departments under it.

The permanent secretary continued, "I am sure the retirees have plans and self-preparations to be carried out in their new environments. This is also the time for retirees to fulfil personal dreams that have yet to materialise. With the knowledge and experience gained, I believe the retirees will be able to carry on living with success that brings benefits to themselves and their families."

After announcing that 80 PMO officers and staff were to receive their certificates, the permanent secretary, on behalf of all PMO officials at various levels, took the opportunity to convey his gratitude to the retirees for their contribution, sacrifices and loyal service throughout the years.

On hand to present the certificates to the retirees as the guest of honour was the Minister of Finance II at the Prime Minister's Office, Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Abdul Rahman bin Hj Ibrahim.

Also in attendance were Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Dato Paduka Awg Hj All bin Hj Apong, Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Dato Paduka Awg Hj Abdul Wahab bin Juned and the Attorney General, Datin Seri Paduka Hjh Hayati binti POKSDSP Hj Mohd Salleh.

The presentation of certificates was a follow-up to the presentation of retirement certificates during the 19th Civil Service Day witnessed on Oct 17, whereby His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, consented to the presentation of services certificates to all officers and staff who retired from the government of His. Majesty the Sultan through each permanent secretary to be handed over to the retired officers.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin