James Kon
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 is highly anticipated by all citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam. This included the get-together ceremony with the people of the country, an opportunity to meet, greet and speak with the monarch.
Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, chairing the second meeting of the National Committee for His Majesty’s 76th birthday celebration at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday, highlighted the importance of His Majesty’s birthday celebration to the people.
He added that the involvement of youth, including students, signify the strengthening of the national identity and patriotism which is the core of the progress and development of the Sultanate.
The minister believed the committee entrusted with the preparations for His Majesty’s birthday celebration this year has completed their tasks including making improvements based on past experiences.
He also reminded that safety, health, peace and environment must be given serious attention, especially for the activities and events.
The meeting discussed the progress of preparations from the Working Committees including the order of events for His Majesty’s 76th birthday celebration.
The first event will be the flag-hoisting ceremony with a giant national flag at the open area of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex tomorrow.
The ceremony on the lowering of the giant flag will take place on July 31 at the same venue.
The mass Maghrib and Isyak prayers, recitation of Surah Yaasiin, Tahlil and Doa Kesyukuran ceremony will take place at all mosques, suraus and prayer halls nationwide with the main focus at Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, Kampong Kiarong on July 14.
The grand ceremonial parade will take place on July 15 at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, Bandar Seri Begawan.
The Audience and Investiture ceremony will be held on July 15, at the Balai Singgahsana Indera Buana of Istana Nurul Iman after the conclusion of the grand ceremonial parade.
The Santap ceremony will take place on July 16 at Istana Nurul Iman.
Meanwhile the get-together ceremony with the citizens and residents in all four districts will be held in Temburong District on July 19 at Community Hall Complex’s field in Pekan Bangar; in Belait District on July 21 at Padang Bandaran in Kuala Belait; in Brunei-Muara District on July 24 at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien; and in Tutong District on July 26 at the Community Hall Complex’s field.
The installation of main celebration arches including lights along Jalan Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien and other areas will start tomorrow until July 31.
The public is required to hoist the national flag at their homes, buildings and business premises while Pengiran-Pengiran and individuals conferred with titles need to put up their personal flags from tomorrow to July 31.
Also present at the meeting were Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris bin Pengiran Maharaja Lela Pengiran Muda Abdul Kahar; Grand Chamberlain Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Haji Alauddin bin Pengiran Paduka Tuan Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar; Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force, representative of the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces along with permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, district officers, members from the private sectors, and members of the National Committee for His Majesty’s 76th birthday celebration.
