The streets of Bandar Seri Begawan were crowded with thousands of well-wishers 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 during a get-together ceremony yesterday to celebrate the monarch’s 77th birthday.
Primary and secondary school students waving mini flags lined the street to welcome the royal entourage.
His Majesty and members of the royal family’s arrival at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien were accompanied by beats of the hadrah.
Accompanying the monarch 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; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah.
His Majesty and members of the royal family were greeted by Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman as Chairman of the National Committee for His Majesty’s 77th birthday celebration.
After the singing of the national anthem, His Majesty and members of the royal family witnessed an energetic and vibrant performance by 400 participants comprising students, youth, government and private agencies.
The performance themed ‘Raja Untuk Rakyat, Rakyat Untuk Raja’ showcased unity among people of all walks of life. It was divided into three segments – ‘Menjunjung Kasih’, ‘Raja Berjiwa Rakyat’ and grand finale named ‘Raja Pengasih, Rakyat Bahagia’ – combining traditional and modern elements.
The first segment comprised gemalai dance with Payung Mahkota song.
The second part – inspired by Raja Berdaulat, Rakyat Bahagia – showcased a combination of dance and martial arts with songs Oh Kanak-Kanak and Cuk Kerapang.
The grand finale featuring the song Raja Pengasih, Rakyat Bahagia and dance symbolised the Bruneian people’s gratitude to be blessed with a caring monarch.
His Majesty and members of the royal family later met the performers and toured the booths with well-wishers.
The crowds, braving scorching heat, greeted His Majesty and members of the royal family and took photos as momentos. – Rokiah Mahmud & Lyna Mohamad
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 His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office meet the performers. PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYAHis 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; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen in a group photo with performers. PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYA & MUIZ MATDANIHis Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah meet performers during the get-together ceremony. PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYA & MUIZ MATDANIPHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYA & MUIZ MATDANIHis Majesty with a member of the public. PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYA & MUIZ MATDANIABOVE & BELOW: 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, accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, greeted by students; and His Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah in a group photo with telecommunication companies’ representatives. PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYAPHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYAABOVE & BELOW: His Majesty, accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, with members of the public. PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYAPHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYAPHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYAABOVE & BELOW: His Majesty cuts cakes during the get-together ceremony. PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYAPHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYAABOVE & BELOW: His Majesty tours a booth; and interact with a group of performers. PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYAPHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYAABOVE & BELOW: His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah at the event. PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYA & MUIZ MATDANIPHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYA & MUIZ MATDANIABOVE & BELOW: Performers at the event. PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYA & MUIZ MATDANIPHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYA & MUIZ MATDANIPHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYA & MUIZ MATDANI
