| Syazwani Hj Rosli |
A MARKED air of eager anticipation could be felt in the capital yesterday, as thousands of patriots and well-wishers gathered at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien and its vicinity as early as 7am for a chance to meet 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 and members of the royal family in what was the last get-together and Junjung Ziarah ceremony held for the monarch’s 72nd birthday celebrations.
Scores of beaming students, association members and even tourists lined the streets, turning a dormant bed of yellow, black and white into a flurry of life, as they began waving their mini flags at the sight of His Majesty and the rest of the royal motorcade making their way to the venue.
Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by the Minister of Home Affairs and Chairman of the National Executive Committee for His Majesty’s 72nd Birthday Celebration Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong; Commissioner of Police Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam; and Brunei-Muara District Officer Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim before making his way to the royal dais.
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 event officially began with the singing of the national anthem Allah Peliharakan Sultan and loud chants of ‘Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik’ led by penghulus and village heads from across the Brunei-Muara District.
Delivering an impassioned speech about His Majesty, the Brunei-Muara District Officer expressed his profound gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the residents of the Brunei-Muara District to the monarch for his presence at the get-together ceremony at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien .
The celebration was enlivened further with a series of accompanying dance and musical performances themed Raja Berdaulat Rakyat Bahagia, reflecting Brunei’s cultural and ethnic diversity. The release of coloured balloons and confettis into the air towards the end brought the performances to a spectacular conclusion.
It was at this point when His Majesty and members of the royal family made their way down the dais onto the field for the official get-together or Junjung Ziarah session.
Citizens and residents, both young and old, grabbed in earnest this rare opportunity to meet their beloved ruler in person and send him their best birthday wishes. The monarch and members of the royal family also joined in for a group photo with the field performers and selfies with the crowd.