| Rokiah Mahmud |
A TOTAL of 138 members Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam (PPPBD), led by PPPBD Chief Commissioner Hajah Siti Hafsah binti Haji Abdul Halim, attended the morning session of the second day of the Istana open house at the Istana Nurul Iman yesterday.
The PPPBD was among the several groups that visited the Istana Nurul Iman to personally convey Hari Raya 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 and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam as well as other members of the royal family.
Kaniz binti Abdul Shakoor, a member of the association, said the visit was one of the annual activities of PPPBD.
According to a spokesperson from the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD), 50 female members also visited the Istana Nurul Iman.
Mohamed Sirazuddeen bin Mohamed Maideen, an Education Officer at the Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien College, in an interview with the Bulletin said it was an eagerly anticipated activity for him. He brought his family to meet Their Majesties and other members of the royal family.
“The annual Istana open house is part of the way of life here where the public convey their respect for our beloved monarch. It is important especially for the younger generation to observe this tradition as it can instil a sense of togetherness and patriotism for the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hassan Baha from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, who came along with his family, said the annual Istana open house provides an opportunity to the country’s citizens to convey their love for Their Majesties and other members of the royal family.
“The Istana open house brings visitors closer and satisfies certain teachings in Islam such as promoting Ukhuwwah (brotherhood) among the community regardless of their background,” he added.
