| Azlan Othman |
CELEBRATIONS marking the Golden Jubilee 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, should be moderate in nature and emphasise aspects of Brunei’s royal traditions.
This was emphasised in a sabda yesterday by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, during the first Meeting of the Executive Committee for the Golden Jubilee celebrations of His Majesty.
“It should reflect the significant achievements of the country, citizens and residents during the reign of His Majesty,” said His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, who is also the Patron of the Advisory Committee for the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince also called on all appointed committee members to work together in sharing ideas and experiences, to ensure efficient planning and implementation of all events for the celebrations.
“I believe that with high commitment and cooperation from all parties, the Golden Jubilee celebrations will be a platform for strengthening harmony through close ties between the monarch and the people; for embracing the spirit of patriotism, love and unwavering loyalty to both the sovereign and country; and for unity in upholding peace and prosperity through developing the country,” said His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, delivering his sabda at the 1st meeting of the Executive Committee for the Golden Jubilee celebrations 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. Also seen in the photo is His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, a member of the Advisory Committee for the Golden Jubilee Celebrations. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah in a group photo with the members of the Executive Committee for the Golden Jubilee Celebrations 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
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince quoted from His Majesty’s recent New Year titah, in which the monarch said that the Golden Jubilee was an opportunity for everyone to learn about moderation as well as history, by prioritising only the important aspects.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince also expressed the hope that the Golden Jubilee celebrations would not only describe the glorious history of his father’s reign, but also strengthen the monarchial institution through the preservation of Bruneian identity, culture and traditions.
“I take particular note of the get-together with the populace, which should be given special attention by having it placed at appropriate venues; and properly organised, with appealing programmes that portray the close rapport between the monarch and the people,” said His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.
“We have witnessed achievements over the last 50 years, during the reign of my father, which have brought many positive changes and development, including the care and support for the welfare of all citizens and residents in various sectors and areas.
“My father’s wise leadership has succeeded in making the country capable of generating positive economic development by attracting foreign investors. In addition, Brunei has produced many of its own experts and specialists who are enhancing our capability and competitiveness on an international scale.
“Religion still forms the basis for all plans and developments for future directions, in line with the country’s aspiration as a Zikir Nation. These should be in our thoughts when outlining events for the celebrations, and serve as a framework in assessing the impact or outcome of the programmes.”
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince then reminded, “There are not many months left for us to plan and implement the Golden Jubilee celebrations. It is indeed a very short period of time, in view of other major events in the interim, such as National Day and His Majesty’s birthday celebrations.
“I want all committees of the Golden Jubilee celebrations to forward all their respective programmes to the Secretariat of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations, in two weeks from this meeting,” said His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, concluding the sabda.
Earlier, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was greeted on arrival by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, a member of the Advisory Committee for the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Also present to greet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince were Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, the Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara and a Co-Chairperson of the Executive Committee for the Golden Jubilee celebrations; Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs; Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim, the Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance II; Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti; and Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Mohd Nawawi bin Pehin Orang Kaya Shahbandar Haji Awang Mohd Taha, the Private and Confidential Secretary to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince then proceeded to join a group photo session with members of the Executive Committee for the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The meeting commenced with a Doa Selamat which was read by YB Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal, a member of the Executive Committee for the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
The meeting continued with opening remarks delivered by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz.
His Majesty acceded to the throne at the age of 21 on October 5, 1967, as the 29th Sultan of Brunei. The Silver Jubilee celebrations of His Majesty’s accession were held on October 5, 1992.
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