The capital was abuzz as people from all walks of life gathered for the Get-Together Ceremony in Brunei-Muara District, celebrating 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 78th birthday at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien on Monday.
Thousands of well-wishers and vendors filled the capital from dawn, with many early birds securing prime spots to enjoy the field performances and catch a glimpse of the monarch and other royal family members. Primary and secondary school students lined the streets, waving mini flags to welcome the royal entourage.
His Majesty and the royal family arrived at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien to the 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; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
They were greeted by Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman; Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman; Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof; and Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar.
After the national anthem, His Majesty and the royal family witnessed an energetic and vibrant performance by 200 participants, including youths, upper secondary, and primary school students. Themed ‘Raja Untuk Rakyat, Rakyat Untuk Raja,’ the performance was a Pop Traditional format divided into three segments: ‘Berdatang Sembah,’ ‘Raja Payung Mahkota,’ and the grand finale ‘Raja Khalifah Terjun Negara.’
His Majesty and the royal family later met the performers and toured the booths with well-wishers. More than 60 booths were set up for the ceremony, hosted by Mukim residents, the Royal Birthday Committee, private organisations, associations, and uniformed groups, including cadets from the Fire and Rescue, Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Police Force, Brunei Red Crescent Society, and Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides and Scouts Associations.
Despite the scorching heat, crowds of people, including tourists, greeted His Majesty and the royal family, with some taking the opportunity for photos to mark the special occasion. From Taman, His Majesty and the royal family proceeded to the Santap Ceremony at the Banquet Hall of the Lapau, where the monarch cut the birthday cake from the citizens and residents of Brunei-Muara District. – LYNA MOHAMAD
