| Abdul Hakiim Yakof |
THE country’s uniformed men and women, clad in ceremonial attire, assembled in the Banquet Hall of Istana Nurul Iman yesterday to celebrate the 71st birthday 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.
An annual event, the Royal Banquet saw participation of guests from Brunei’s multi-level security agencies as well as uniformed organisations and associations.
Upon arrival, His Majesty made his way across the Banquet Hall along with Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam.
Also present at the banquet were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and
Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
Also in atendence were His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah binti Pengiran Haji Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah; and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.
A Doa Selamat was read by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti, to bless the occasion.
Towards the end of the banquet, guests assembled to greet and convey their wishes to Their Majesties and members of the royal family.
The uniformed personnel attending the banquet comprised those from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), Fire and Rescue Department, National Service Programme (PKBN), Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association, Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society, army and police cadets, and other organisations.
The Royal Banquet for uniformed personnel also signifies His Majesty’s appreciation for their continuing efforts and dedication in promoting peace, security and stability in the country while achieving progress and development.
