| Azlan Othman & Azaraimy HH |
PREPARATIONS for the events to mark 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’s 72nd birthday are progressing in full swing.
Members of the working committee for the birthday celebration yesterday held Ratib Al-Attas, Sunnat Hajat and Asar prayers at Ash-Shaliheen Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong attended the gathering as Chairperson of the National Committee for the 72nd Royal Birthday Celebration 2018.
The ceremony was held to seek blessings for the various events lined up for the celebration.
Also in attendance were members of the Legislative Council (LegCo) and the celebration committee.
Meanwhile, a full-dress rehearsal was held in the Tutong District yesterday for the annual get-together session with His Majesty.
On hand to witness the event was the Minister of Home Affairs.
A total of 272 participants will be involved in the on-field displays, including civil employees; primary and secondary school students; ethnic and local community associations; members of mukim and village consultative councils and the youth and volunteer groups of Tutong District.
Under the theme of Raja Unggul Negara Gemilang, this year’s focus is on youth who are active, creative and capable of achieving the aspiration of the king and the vision of the country. The get-together session in the Tutong District will take place on July 19, with thousands of spectators and well-wishers expected to show up on the grounds of the Tutong District Civic Centre Complex in Pekan Tutong.
Meanwhile, Co-Chairman of the Special On-Field Performances Abdul Aziz bin Haji Hamdan told the Bulletin that this year’s displays will have variety and colour, despite the limited time put into training.
“The rehearsals actually began in April, but were put on hold during Ramadhan and the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations,” he said.
Also attending yesterday’s full-dress rehearsal were members of the LegCo, permanent and deputy permanent secretaries, the Tutong District Officer, senior government officers and members of the Executive Committee for His Majesty’s 72nd Birthday Celebrations in the Tutong District.