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 presence today is a great honour and a source of inspiration, energising our efforts to continue organising such events each year, said Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof.
The minister, in his capacity as Chairman of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s (Yayasan) Board of Directors, said this in his welcoming speech at Yayasan’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration yesterday.
He added, “This gathering highlights the importance of community unity and the shared responsibility we all have in contributing to the prosperity of our nation.”
Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi also extended his heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty for gracing the occasion and for the royal family’s continued support of Yayasan’s initiatives.
The theme ‘Community Unity in Achieving National Aspirations’ resonates with Yayasan’s commitment to fostering collaboration, harmony and unity among various sectors of society, which aligns with Brunei Vision 2035. The minister also highlighted the diverse groups that Yayasan supports, including grassroots communities, local businesses and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The groups play a pivotal role in enhancing societal well-being and contributing to national development through programmes focused on spiritual growth, economic development, and social welfare.
“The efforts of these communities are vital in building a unified and resilient society. Their contributions directly support the goals of Brunei Vision 2035 and are crucial in advancing Brunei’s socio-economic prosperity,” he emphasised.
As part of the celebration, Yayasan also unveiled a book titled ‘Titah-Titah Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam Sempena Majlis-Majlis Sambutan Hari Raya Aidilfitri Anjuran Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah 2003-2024.’
The book compiles 20 titah from previous Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, serving as a guide to inspire and motivate the nation in pursuit of its aspirations.
The event showcased a performance by 176 students under Yayasan alongside an exhibition of initiatives by 22 government agencies, private sector bodies and NGOs aimed at promoting social unity and national development.
This year’s celebration highlighted the continued support from multiple embassies in Brunei, who have been actively involved in various community welfare projects coordinated by Yayasan. – Fadley Faisal
