| James Kon |
SEVERAL prominent leaders representing the Chinese community in the Brunei-Muara District gathered to convey their personal birthday 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 at the get-together ceremony held at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien yesterday.
Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Ong Tiong Oh and Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin were among the prominent members of the Brunei Chinese community.
Occupying five lots in a camp at the venue, the Chinese community contributed a special performance carried out by 20 Year 3 students from Chung Hwa Middle School, Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB). The children belted out a birthday song for the benevolent ruler.
Following the performance, the monarch was invited to cut a special birthday cake and a group photo with the Chinese community members.
Yang Berhormat Ong Tiong Oh said, “This is a golden opportunity for the people to meet-and-greet His Majesty. There is no other country where the people can get so close and personal with the leader of their country.”
Explaining the Chinese community’s approach to the event this year, he continued, “It is similar to last year, where we also arranged for students to sing a birthday song for His Majesty and a cake-cutting ceremony.
“I would like to say, Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik (Long Live His Majesty) and I wish for His Majesty’s continued good health,” Yang Berhormat Ong Tiong Oh said.