Bandar Seri Begawan - The Women‘s Council of Brunei Darussalam, in collaboration with the Brunei Shell Ladies Association, PENJURU Association and PEKERTI Association, hosted a birthday celebration for Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha at the International Convention Centre yesterday evening.
Accompanying Her Majesty to the event were Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, Pengiran Bini Hajah Faizah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Rashidah Sa ‘adatul Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Majeedah Nuurul Bulqiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bulqiah.
The celebration started with the playing of the national anthem and was followed by a speech delivered by the chairperson of the event, Datin Hajah Fatimah binti Dato Seri Abang Haji Razali, who is also the President of Brunei Darussalam Women Council.
Her Majesty also consented to cut a birthday cake, after which, Her Majesty received a birthday card and pesambah.
In a speech delivered by Datin Hajah Fatimah, she spoke of several activities that were carried out by the Brunei
Women‘s Council recently, such as various religious functions and charity events including walkathons and donation drives.
Datin Hajah Fatimah also highlighted that as of May this year, Brunei Darussalam signed an "Instrument of Accession to CEDAW", where a taskforce made up of various government agencies and the Women‘s Council of Brunei Darussalam was established.
In addition, Datin Hajah Fatimah mentioned that Brunei celebrated Asean Woman‘s Day this year on July 5, which was organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in cooperation with the Women‘s Council of Brunei Darussalam.
Among those who attended the celebration was the Nurul Islam Association, which is an association for new converts to the Islamic faith.
During the dinner, Her Majesty, Their Royal Highnesses and other distinguished guests were entertained with an array of dazzling performances staged by various associations.
At the end of the celebration, those who attended the event were granted a chance to greet Her Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses.
Source: www.brudirect.com (29 Oktober 2007)
