| Daniel Lim |
IN A grand display of love and loyalty towards 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, thousands of residents from the Belait District gathered to attend His Majesty’s traditional meet-and-greet with the people programme in conjunction with the monarch’s 72nd birthday celebration.
Held in all four districts, the royal get-together ceremony is one of the most significant celebrations in the country’s annual calendar of events and a platform for the people to get up close to their beloved ruler.
Belait is the second district to host the event which began in Tutong on July 19.
Held at the Municipal Field in Kuala Belait, the royal get-together ceremony, the most unique event of His Majesty’s birthday celebration or any stately celebration in the country, saw hundreds of jubilant students waving mini national flags, lining the roads leading from the helipad where His Majesty and members of the royal family landed, up to the Municipal Field where the royal dais was set up.
Upon arrival at the Municipal Field around 10.10am, 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 Celebrations.
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 ceremony commenced with the singing of the national anthem by a choir led by the performers of the celebration, followed by three loud cheers of Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik (Long Live His Majesty) by penghulu and village heads in the Belait District as well as the performers.
Then, on behalf of the citizens and residents of the Belait District, Acting Belait District Officer Haji Zamree bin Haji Junaidi delivered a brief welcoming speech in which he expressed his sincere gratitude and undivided loyalty towards His Majesty.
To enliven the celebration, an array of colourful performances was conducted by 472 participants from various primary and secondary schools in the district as well as government and private sectors.
The joy of the people and their gratitude to the monarch were reflected in the performances that carried the theme Kasih Rakyat Untuk Raja Yang Berkat (People’s Love for the Blessed Sultan) and manifested the love and loyalty of the people and residents of the Belait District towards His Majesty.
After watching the performances, His Majesty and members of the royal family came down to the field to congratulate the performers as well as to greet the citizens and residents of Belait District waiting since early morning to have the golden opportunity to meet their much-adored Sultan.
Some of them took the opportunity to take photos with the monarch and members of the royal family.
His Majesty also consented to cut birthday cakes while visiting the booths set up by various associations and companies based in the Belait District.