| Azlan Othman |
IT IS important that the Committee for 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’s birthday celebration learn from the experience of organising events for the royal birthday in 2018 and previous years, to identify areas of disorganisation in their planning so that such procedural shortcomings will not be repeated this year.
Speaking during the first meeting of the National Committee for His Majesty’s 73rd birthday celebration yesterday at the Prime Minister’s Office, Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong also recommended that the committee appoint youth to the respective sub-committees so that they can help in generating fresh ideas and become future coaches.
“It is also necessary and appropriate for the committee to examine the membership composition of the [sub-committees] so that those appointed will be able to contribute substantially and responsibly to the tasks [required in the organising of activities for His Majesty’s birthday celebrations],” he said.
The minister, who is also Chairperson of the National Committee for His Majesty’s 73rd birthday celebration, added that it is extremely important for the committee to carefully review the grievances and advices forwarded by the National Committee members with regard to the way in which activities and events held for the monarch’s birthday are organised.
The minister said it is expected that new approaches are to be taken when planning the activities for His Majesty’s 73rd birthday celebration this year.
He noted that the process should be improved upon from the previous years and incorporate the involvement of all levels of society, including communities representing the mukims and villages, students and education institutions, youth associations, non-governmental depart-ments (NGOs), private companies, ministries and government departments.
“People from all walks of life should be able to organise, participate in and celebrate the royal birthday celebration through programmes arranged,” said the minister.
He also voiced his hope that the national and administrative committees at the district level and working committees set up can work earnestly with each other to plan and carry out the royal birthday events properly.
Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar and Grand Chamberlain Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Haji Alauddin bin Pengiran Paduka Tuan Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar were also present.
The date of the key events for His Majesty’s 73rd birthday celebration, as well as the concept and format of the show for the accompanying annual get-together with citizens and residents in the four districts, were also discussed.
Other topics on the table included the construction and installation of decorations and fittings for the celebration such as arches, decorative lights, decorations and banners, as well as the running of the 73-time Khatam Al-Quran for mukim and village consultative council members and students.