| Daniel Lim & Aziz Idris |
THOUSANDS of people from all walks of life converged at the Municipal Field, Kuala Belait yesterday for the annual royal get-together ceremony in conjunction with the 71st birthday 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.
Micheal Lim, a recreational photographer who attended the event, felt that the theme ‘Raja Bijaksana, Wawasan Negara Perkasa’ was ideal. He managed to brave the eager crowds and took good photos of the participants during the performance. He noted the smiles on the faces of performers showed their eagerness and willingness to participate. He looked forward to attending the next visit by His Majesty.
Senior citizen Haji Musa bin Basar said he looks forward to the Junjung Ziarah every year. “The celebration is a unique opportunity to meet and greet His Majesty personally. This reflects His Majesty’s concern for the well-being of his citizens.
“I am grateful to have a ruler who would go out not just to observe, but also better understand the needs of the people, especially the senior citizens,” he chimed.
Medical personnel on-duty also took the golden opportunity to wish birthday greetings for His Majesty.
Led by Haji Mohd Reduan bin Abdul Fata of Clinic ‘B’, their main role during the celebrations was patrolling the vicinity to assist the elderly and special need individuals.
Haji Mohd Reduan said being in the presence of His Majesty and members of the royal family was an “honour” to serve and provide their medical services for the public.
“We are thankful for His Majesty leadership in meeting the Vision 2035 while continuing to harness the development and progress of the country for the benefit of the future generations,” he added.
Visitors near and far also witnessed the royal spectacle which proves to be a unique event only in Brunei. Dr Abdul Rahman Al Sharif from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia described the event as a “spectacular display of love and loyalty” from the subjects to the ruler.
He was caught in the storm of thousands of well-wishers eagerly waiting to interact with the benevolent ruler. He said shaking hands with His Majesty was a “worthwhile” experience that he will cherish and share with his family and friends back home.
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