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, yesterday attended the Sarawak Regatta 2017 and a high tea reception in Kuching, Sarawak.
Accompanying His Majesty were Tun Dato Laila Utama Pehin Sri Dr Haji Abdul Taib bin Mahmud, the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak and wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Raghad Kurdi Taib; Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, the Chief Minister of Sarawak and wife, Datin Patinggi Dato Hajjah Juma’ani binti Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang.
According to a press statement, His Majesty participated in a boat race and watched the final boat races of the Sarawak Regatta 2017.
Upon arrival at the Kuching River Wharf, His Majesty was greeted by Datuk Haji Abdul Karim bin Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports of Sarawak as the Minister Responsible for the Sarawak Regatta 2017.
His Majesty then proceeded to a photograph session with the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak and wife; the Chief Minister of Sarawak and wife; and the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports of Sarawak.
His Majesty boarded the ‘Sayang Sarawak’ cruise ship and sailed upstream along the Sarawak River. On board the cruise ship, the monarch officiated the start of the boat race of the Sarawak Regatta 2017 with the firing of the starting gun.
His Majesty was then brought to the starting line to participate in the special category of the regatta, the VIP-Category Boat Race.
Accompanying His Majesty in the VIP Boat Race was Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.
After the race, His Majesty proceeded to witness the Brooke Swim and the Duck Catching Challenge, as well as the ‘Raja Sungai’ (King of the River) Boat Race Final – the highlight of the Sarawak Regatta 2017 in which competitors vied for the Yang Di-Pertua of Sarawak’s Trophy.
‘Landas 11’ were crowned champions of the boat race.
His Majesty was presented the winners’ trophy for the VIP Boat Race after Brunei Darussalam team won the event.
The winners of the ‘Raja Sungai’ Boat Race Final, ‘Landas 11’ received prizes from His Majesty.
His Majesty also received a pesambah from the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports of Sarawak.
Prior to leaving the Kuching Waterfront, His Majesty took a group photograph session with the Brunei Darussalam rowers.
After the regatta, His Majesty attended a high tea reception at the Hilton Kuching Hotel, hosted by Yang Di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak.
Also present at the events were Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah bin Ali Hasan, Third Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak, Minister of Industrial and Entrepreneur Development and Second Minister of Urban Development and Natural Resources as the Minister-in-Attendance and other Sarawak State Ministers.
Also present was Pengiran Hajah Krtini binti Pengiran Haji Tahir, Consul General of Brunei Darussalam in Kuching, Sarawak.
The monarch’s visit to Kuching reflected the strong and harmonious relationship between Brunei Darussalam and the state of Sarawak, particularly in water sports.
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