The Belait District was in high spirits as thousands of attendees and visitors welcomed 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, for the grand finale of the nationwide get-together ceremony at the district’s Municipal Field to celebrate the monarch’s 78th birthday.
Accompanying His Majesty 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; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
Upon arrival in the district via helicopter, the royal entourage made their way to the field along Jalan Maulana. They were greeted by the district’s students who lined the roadside, waving miniature national flags, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the hadrah as the royal entourage approached the Royal Dias.
The celebration began with the singing of the national anthem, followed by a special performance titled “Raja Berdaulat Lagi Terhormat” or Sovereign Ruler, Most Honourable. This performance, led by 378 performers comprised of students and youth members, was divided into three segments, depicting the developments and advancements made under His Majesty’s leadership. It showcased a fusion of past and present, as well as cultural and social harmony, while looking forward to the future.
Following the well-received performance, His Majesty and members of the royal family met with the performers and toured the booths set up around the field.
During this time, the monarch was greeted by thousands of attendees, including people with different abilities, senior citizens, former uniformed personnel, women’s associations, mosque committee members, Muslim converts, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), ethnic groups, PKBN members, village consultative council members, neighbourhood watch members, and the general public.
Various groups and companies took the opportunity to celebrate His Majesty’s birthday by presenting Pesambah during the get-together.
After meeting with attendees, His Majesty and members of the royal family attended a luncheon at the Belait District Officer’s residence. The event concluded with the royal entourage returning to the capital by car. – DANIEL LIM
