| James Kon |
LEADERS of the Chinese community and foreign dignitaries expressed their gratitude 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, Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam and members of the royal family for gracing the Chinese New Year (CNY) get-together ceremony at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas yesterday.
“It is always a privilege and honour for the Chinese community to celebrate the festive season with Their Majesties and the royal family,” said Honorary Advisor to the organising committee for this year’s CNY get-together ceremony Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin.
“The hard work and preparation of the organising committee as well as the performers and everyone who have been involved has paid off with the success of the ceremony.
“The Chinese community is honoured to live in the peaceful and prosperous country of Brunei Darussalam under the MIB system and the leadership of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.”
Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Ong Tiong Oh echoed Pehin Goh’s sentiments.
“We are really honoured to have Their Majesties and the royal family attending the Chinese New Year get-together ceremony. It is indeed a very memorable Chinese New Year celebration for the Chinese community in Brunei Darussalam,” he said. He thanked the organising committee and people behind the scene for their hard work and expressed his hopes for further improvements in future events.
Newly appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam Yu Hong attended the Chinese New Year get-together for the first time with her spouse Yu Jie.
“Their Majesties and the royal family gracing the Chinese New Year get-together shows Their Majesties and the royal family’s care and attention towards the Chinese community,” she said in an interview.
“The ceremony has also demonstrated the unity of the local community to work together for the success of the heart-warming ceremony.
“It was really nice to see that the Chinese community is very close to Their Majesties and the royal family, to the extent that the community gathers (in one setting) to greet Their Majesties and the royal family.”
The new Chinese Ambassador was also impressed with the performances during the get-together, noting, “There are very colourful and lively performances from the schools. The singing, dances and wushu performances are excellent.”