| Lyna Mohamad |
UNDETERRED by the scorching sun, thousands demonstrated their 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 during the monarch’s annual get-together with the people in the Temburong District in conjunction with His Majesty’s 72nd birthday celebration.
The atmosphere was exuberant in an otherwise quiet district as people from all walks of life and communities welcomed their beloved ruler yesterday.
Temburong, the Green Jewel of Brunei, is home to the country’s many ethnic groups and known for its beautiful natural environment. People in the district share one thing in common – their undivided loyalty towards the beloved monarch.
Temburong is the third district to host His Majesty’s Junjung Ziarah, one of the most significant celebrations in the country’s annual calendar of events, which was kicked off this year in the Tutong District on July 19.
Upon arrival at the Temburong helipad, His Majesty was 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; Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam; Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Major General Pengiran Dato Paduka Seri Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud; permanent secretaries and deputy permanent secretaries at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Acting Temburong District Officer Haji Adnan bin Haji Adam.
The monarch was accompanied by 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.
From the helipad, His Majesty and members of the royal family went to the official residence of the Acting Temburong District Officer before proceeding to the royal dais at the field of Temburong District Civic Centre Complex.
The event commenced with the singing of the national anthem, followed by three cheers of Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik by mukim penghulus, village heads, heads of division, committee members of the 72nd birthday celebration in the Temburong District as well as those gathered for the event.
The event also saw the Acting Temburong District Officer delivering the Sembah Alu-Aluan in which he, on behalf of the people of Temburong, expressed sincere gratitude and undivided loyalty towards His Majesty and conveyed 72nd birthday greetings to the monarch.
He wished His Majesty longevity and good health and prayed that the monarch and the nation be blessed by Allah the Almighty.
To enliven the royal get-together ceremony, a colourful special field performance themed Raja Prihatin, Mahkota Rakyat was conducted.
After the performance, His Majesty, accompanied by members of the royal family, went around the field for the Junjung Ziarah – firstly to meet and greet the participants involved in the field performances and then the thousands of citizens and residents of the district who were eagerly waiting for the golden opportunity to get up close with the beloved monarch and the royal family members.
During the session, His Majesty also consented to cut a birthday cake presented by a joint venture between China State Construction Engineering Corporation Ltd and Ocean Quarry and Construction Sdn Bhd, which is tasked with the construction of the Temburong Bridge.