Tutong District came together to greet 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 in the get-together ceremony yesterday in conjunction with the monarch’s 77th birthday celebration.
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 and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah.
His Majesty and members of the royal family were greeted at the Tutong helipad by Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman as the Chairman of the National Committee for His Majesty’s 77th birthday celebration with other senior officials.
His Majesty and members of the royal family made their way to the Tutong District Civic Centre Complex field in a motorcade.
Schoolchildren lined up along both sides of the roads to wave their miniature national flag to welcome the monarch.
His Majesty and members of the royal family were entertained with colourful field performances by over 450 performers including schoolchildren.
This year’s theme for the special performance was ‘Kekal Beraja, Kekal Bernegara’, describing a wise king leading his subjects and country towards prosperity and peace by upholding the principle of Malay Islamic Monarchy that has allowed the Sultanate to continue to be a sovereign monarchy and Muslim country.
The performances were divided into three segments – Raja Terunggul Di Rahmati Tuhan, Raja dan Rakyat Berpisah Tiada and Kekal Beraja, Kekal Bernegara.
Following the performance, His Majesty and members of the royal family met with the performers and toured the booths, where the monarch was greeted by senior citizens, cadets and villagers as well as representatives of NGOs, associations and private companies.
His Majesty and members of the royal family attended a luncheon and cake-cutting ceremony at the main hall of the Tutong District Civic Centre Complex.
The next get-together with His Majesty will be held at the Temburong District tomorrow. – James Kon
