| Azaraimy HH |
SINCE it first began operations on July 10, 2017, the Tutong Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PKWE Tutong) has been put to good use by its members, not only as a place of gathering for seniors, but also as a platform for carrying out amal ibadat (religious) and community welfare activities, according to Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong.
The minister was speaking as the guest of honour at the PKWE Tutong Sumbangsih Night and launching of the centre’s Poetry Anthology book on Tuesday evening, an event held in conjunction with the National Family Day celebration.
Also in attendance was Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin.
In his speech, the Minister of Home Affairs added that the activities at the centre show that the government – specifically the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports – is paying serious attention to the well-being of the country’s elderly citizens.
He went on to highlight some of the activities that were organised or taken part in by members of PKWE Tutong, the most recent being the activities at the Tutong Food Carnival.
“We are happy to learn that the focus of the PKWE Tutong activities is on contributions to the nation, such as participation in celebrations for National Day and the Golden Jubilee Celebration of 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’s Accession to the Throne and birthday, as well as Tai Chi morning exercises during Bandarku Ceria,” said the Minister of Home Affairs.
“I am also made to understand that with a former imam as a member of PKWE Tutong, religious activities are also being conducted such as in-depth learning sessions on Al-Quran, as well as classes on Al-Quran reading, Dikir, Surah Yaasiin and Tahlil recitation and Tausyeh.
“Most interesting is that the centre also regularly organises a distribution of Fidyah to the needy through its Jalinan Taqwa programme.”
On the launch of the Poetry Anthology book, the Minister of Home Affairs said, “This is another symbol of the creative ability of the PKWE Tutong members. They have made a proud contribution to the literary sphere of the country. Congratulations to the writers.”
The evening also saw the presentation of appreciation plaques to several members of PKWE Tutong for their active contributions to the centre.