| Azlan Othman |
TEMBURONG District gave a dazzling welcome yesterday 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 during the annual get-together ceremony to mark the monarch’s 70th birthday.
Arriving in a helicopter at around 10am, His Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen were greeted by Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, who is also the Chairman of the National Executive Committee for His Majesty’s 70th birthday celebrations.
Upon the monarch’s arrival at the field of the Pekan Bangar Community Hall Complex, the national anthem was played, followed by three loud cheers of “Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik” (Long Live His Majesty) from a group of mukim penghulus and village heads.
In his welcoming remarks, Mohd Amir Hairil bin Haji Mahmud, the Acting Temburong District Officer, expressed the unwavering support and loyalty of the people of Temburong for His Majesty.
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 viewing a demonstration of the traditions of the Murut community in Temburong District. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR & AZLAN OTHMAN
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, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah at the get-together celebration in Temburong District yesterday
His Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah greeted by the Iban community in Tembu-rong
His Majesty signing a parchment at Pai Yuek Primary School booth
His Majesty, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen in a group photo with residents of the Temburong District
Photos above & below shows His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen with Temburong residents
Afterwards, His Majesty viewed traditional performances by the ethnic Malay, Murut, Chinese and Iban communities of Temburong.
The Malay community showcased their skills in ‘silat’, the traditional art of self-defence.
Lim Eng Ming, Chairman of Pai Yuek Primary School in Bangar
Students from the Pai Yuek Primary School of Bangar, Temburong, gave a display of the traditional customs, and an early form of Chinese writing used by their community. Under the supervision of Lim Eng Ming, the school’s Chairman, they demonstrated techniques in brush calligraphy, by spelling out “Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik” in Chinese script.
Meanwhile, Janlita anak Mingan, the Village Head of Kampong Tanjong Bungar, who is also a leader of the Iban community in Temburong, gave a performance of ‘Ajat Bujang Berani’, which is usually reserved for Iban warriors in the old days. But these days, the dance is mainly used to welcome royal figures and dignitaries.
The Iban community also showed His Majesty various knife-making techniques, including working up the metal on a charcoal fire and fanning it with a ‘peputan’ (bamboo bellows), before beating the steel into shape.
The Murut community, meanwhile, gave a demonstration of their traditional wedding customs, complete with rattan baskets, rice and clothing, which are gifts from the bride to the groom.
“We also performed some traditional dances and showcased our skills with the blow-pipe,” said Padan bin Lasong, from Kampong Parit, who is the head of the Murut Cultural Troupe in Temburong. “His Majesty was delighted, and curious to know more about the demonstration and the use of the blow-pipes.”
Clarise White from Sydney, Australia, speaking to the Bulletin
Clarise White, 28, who is originally from Sydney, Australia, and teaches at the Labu Estate Primary School, said she really enjoyed the festive atmosphere.
“Temburong is usually quiet, but today, the people were so thrilled to welcome His Majesty. The children are really happy and I really looked forward to it,” she said.
“Last year, I had the honour of shaking hands with His Majesty, and taking photos. His Majesty is very gentle and kind, and it was indeed a great opportunity,” said White, adding that her students had been waiting from as early as 8am, along the route leading to the royal dais, to greet the monarch and other members of the royal family.
Meanwhile, the Acting Head of Police Public Relations, DSP Haji Mohd Noor bin Haji Abdul Rahman, said that personnel from the Neighbourhood Watch of the Temburong District were also present for the celebrations.
“There are about 13 villages which joined the Temburong Neighbourhood Watch, which has 190 members, and I do hope that more youths will join the Neighbourhood Watch,” he said.
Chen Hongke, the Project Manager of China State Construction Engineering Co Ltd, which is involved the construction of the Temburong Bridge, said his workers were very excited at being able to attend the traditional Junjung Ziarah for the first time. On behalf of the company, he congratulated His Majesty, and wished the people of Brunei better prospects for the future.
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