| James Kon |
TUTONG witnessed a magnificent demonstration of love and loyalty as thousands gathered to greet 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 during His Majesty’s traditional meet-and-greet with the people programme in conjunction with the monarch’s 72nd birthday celebration.
It was a golden opportunity for the residents of the district who thronged the field area of the Tutong District Civic Centre Complex to personally welcome and express gratitude to His Majesty.
One of the most significant celebrations in the country’s annual calendar of events, His Majesty’s annual get-together with the people is a platform for them to get up close and personal with their adored king. It is the most unique event of the birthday celebration or any stately celebration in the country.
This year, Tutong is the first district to host the grand event which will be held in other three districts in the coming days.
Upon landing at the helipad near the official residence of the Tutong District Officer, His Majesty and members of the royal family proceeded to the royal dais on the field of the Civic Centre Complex in a motorcade.
Hundreds of jubilant students could be seen lining up the roads leading to the dais, waving mini flags, as enthusiastic residents in their thousands waited to greet His Majesty and members of the royal family.
Upon arrival, His Majesty and members of the royal family were greeted by Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, in his capacity as the Chairman of the National Executive Committee for His Majesty’s 72nd Birthday Celebration.
Accompanying His Majesty 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 ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
The celebration commenced with the singing of the national anthem by a choir, accompanied by the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) Brass Band, which was followed by three loud cries of Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik (Long Live His Majesty).
Then, on behalf of the people and residents of the Tutong District, the ‘Pledge of Loyalty’ was read by Tutong District Officer Haji Shamsul Bahrin bin Haji Mohd Hussain in which he conveyed the deep devotion and gratitude of people of the district towards His Majesty.
“His Majesty’s presence at the Tutong District get-together ceremony is a golden opportunity for all the people and communities in the district to express their affection towards their loving and caring monarch,” he said.
An array of colourful performances by youth in the district further enlivened the event.
Carrying the theme Raja Unggul Negara Gemilang (Noble Ruler, Prosperous Nation), the 20-minute performances were divided into three segments.
After watching the performances, His Majesty and members of the royal family went onto the field to meet the 272 performers.
His Majesty then went around the field to meet, shake-hands and chat with the people and residents of Tutong. Some took the opportunity to take photos with the monarch and members of the royal family.
After the meet-and-greet session, His Majesty proceeded to officiate at the naming ceremony of the Ulu Tutong dam where His Majesty was greeted by Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar and senior officials.
The dam was given the name Empangan Jubli Emas Ulu Tutong.
A cake-cutting ceremony at the main hall of the Civic Centre Complex concluded the grand meet-and-greet event.