| Faza Suraj |
HIGH spirits were evident yesterday in the normally quiet oil district of Belait as thousands flocked to the Padang Bandaran, Kuala Belait, for a personal meeting with the ruler of Brunei Darussalam.
From as early as 6.30am, people from all walks of life, dressed in colourful outfits, staked out their spots and waited for the appearance of 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 10am, His Majesty arrived at the royal dais, 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 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.
On hand to receive His Majesty and members of the royal family was Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs, who is also the Chairman of the National Executive Committee for His Majesty’s 70th birthday celebrations.
The national anthem was then played, followed by three loud cheers of “Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik”, led by the grassroots community of the district.
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 being greeted by residents of Belait District amid a light drizzle yesterday. PHOTOS: DEAN KASSIM
His Majesty cutting a cake at the Dewan Santap. – FAZA SURAJ
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 event
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, witnessing a performance by students
His Majesty taking a photo with the public
His Majesty observing a demonstration by the British Gurkha
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik
His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen
In his speech, Haji Haris bin Othman, the Belait District Officer, expressed thanks to Allah the Almighty for the presence of His Majesty and members of the royal family among the residents of the Belait District.
Shortly afterwards, a colourful lineup of performances, based around the theme of ‘Raja Tersohor, Negara Makmur, Rakyat Bersyukur’ (Exalted Ruler, Prosperous Nation, Grateful Citizens), lifted the spirits of those present at the event.
The main highlight of the day was a tour of the field by His Majesty.
Accompanied by the Belait District Officer, the monarch led the members of the royal family around the arena, to personally greet the people who stood waiting in light rain to present His Majesty with an assortment of pesambah.
At the end of the tour, His Majesty and the members of the royal family visited the official residence of the Belait District Officer for a royal luncheon.
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