| Aziz Idris |
THOUSANDS of people from all corners of the globe yesterday took the opportunity to extend their festive greetings to 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, Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam and other members of the royal family during the second day of the Istana Nurul Iman open house.
The well-wishers included expatriates and tourists, who lauded hospitality extended by members of the royal family.
Dressed in traditional African attire, Sia of Sierra Leone, together with her six-year-old daughter, Esther, described the celebrations as a gesture of “love” from a ruler to his subject.
“I come here for love,” she chimed.
“Because His Majesty loves all of us, he welcomes everyone to share the love during the festivities. This shows deep unity between the people and a caring ruler,” she added.
Meanwhile, American citizen Melissa Akey scheduled her Brunei visit to coincide with the Istana Nurul Iman Raya open house, for a chance to meet the royal family.
Sia from Sierra Leone, with her daughter, Esther. – PHOTOS: AZIZ IDRIS
Melissa Akey scheduled her visit just to coincide with the open house at the palace
Melissa, who currently resides in Singapore, told the Bulletin she had heard about the Istana open house on the news in Singapore.
“I told myself I had to visit Brunei one day, so I scheduled a three-day trip here. I got my Bruneian friend to accompany me to the palace, and I will also visit the rainforest here.”
“This is my first time seeing the queen and members of the royal family. Not many countries have the same opportunities like Brunei, where you get to meet the monarch. The people are very lucky to have such a caring ruler,” she noted.
Melissa, clad in traditional Omani attire, said she would recommend others to visit the Sultanate, especially during the Raya celebrations.
“This (open house) is beautiful. The whole country is beautiful and I’ve been telling all my social media friends to come visit Brunei!” she said.
Meanwhile, Malaysian national Pengiran Abdul Razak bin Pengiran Abdul Rahman, said he had began his travel from Lawas in the morning to reach the palace in time for the afternoon session.
Travelling with his family, he described the experience as a “very cheerful festival” and an ideal time for families to get together.
“We felt the amazing atmosphere of Raya and saw the local people celebrating while enjoying great food,” he added.
The Istana open house is also a great attraction for tourists as it is rare for people to get the opportunity to meet the head of state in other countries. It also shows that His Majesty cares and pays attention to the people in the country, he added.
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