| Rokiah Mahmud |
THE strong bond between 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 and the residents of Brunei Darussalam was in full view during the annual Junjung Ziarah ceremony for His Majesty’s 71st birthday celebrations held at the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan yesterday.
Despite the sweltering weather, thousands thronged the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien to greet and extend birthday wishes to the much-loved monarch.
The sunny morning saw long lines of school students assembled along the roads of the capital waving mini Brunei flags and cheering as the royal motorcade passed by them on its way towards the Taman.
The benevolent ruler was seen waving to the cheering crowds in acknowledgement amidst the sounds of hadrah beating in the background, signalling the arrival of His Majesty and the royal family at the event venue.
His Majesty was then greeted by Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs and Chairman of the National Executive Committee for His Majesty’s 71st birthday celebrations; and Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim, the Brunei-Muara District Officer.
Accompanying His Majesty at the get-together ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
Three chants of ‘Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik’ by the mukim penghulus, village heads, members of the Executive Administrative Committee for His Majesty’s birthday celebrations, and representatives from non-governmental organisations in the Brunei- Muara District later echoed through the Taman.
Awang Misle, the Brunei-Muara District Officer, in a speech expressed his undivided loyalty and everlasting gratitude to His Majesty for his presence at the get-together with citizens and residents of the Brunei-Muara District, adding that the presence of His Majesty “reflects the leadership, concern and care of His Majesty towards his people”.
Lasting for hours, the annual get-together ceremony was enlivened with a number of colourful shows and demonstrations. Of note was the ‘Raja Peneraju Rakyat Bersatu’ performance, which showcased Brunei’s cultural and ethnic diversity, and highlighted national solidarity and the people’s loyalty towards their beloved monarch.
The show culminated in a patriotic singing performance titled ‘Mahkota Satria’, specially composed for His Majesty’s 71st birthday celebrations.
Following the performances, His Majesty, leading the royal entourage, mingled with attendees and well-wishers at the get-together before visiting tents housing nearly 15,000 people comprising residents of 17 mukims in the Brunei-Muara District.
The monarch then met up with representatives from the country’s uniformed services and associations, comprising army and police cadets, personnel from the Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society, as well as scouts and girl guides.
Before leaving the Taman, His Majesty also consented to receive greetings from members of the working committee for the royal birthday celebrations as well as other bodies and organisations.
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