Jan Tze Hong said it was a dream come true to finally be granted Brunei citizenship. “I was in disbelief when my wife received the call,” he said yesterday as 860 people received their Brunei citizenship certificates at a ceremony at the Bridex Conference Hall in Jerudong.
The wheelchair-bound stroke patient added, “My birthday was on July 4, so this is the biggest gift granted by 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. Thank you for granting me the citizenship.”
The ceremony served to officially recognise new Brunei citizens following His Majesty’s consent.
Several recipients of the Brunei citizenship expressed gratitude to His Majesty.
Abdul Azri bin Abdul Wahap said, “Alhamdulillah, today I finally received my Brunei citizenship certificate thanks to the blessings of Allah the Almighty. I also thank His Majesty for granting my citizenship.”
A primary school assistant headmaster who also runs small businesses, Abdul Azri hopes to give back to the country through his services.
Another recipient Pang Boon Chin said, “I feel blessed and thankful to receive my citizenship today. I convey my gratitude to His Majesty for granting the Brunei citizenship.”
As a businessman, he said, “I will contribute to the economic development and provide job opportunities for locals.”
Nurul Hamidah binti Keri was at the ceremony to receive the Brunei citizenship on behalf of her five-year-old daughter Nur’Annasya Shaqueena binti Ahmad Azirani.
“I am touched and feel blessed to receive the Brunei citizenship today for my daughter. I am grateful to His Majesty.”
The recipients comprised those who applied for citizenship under Chapter 15 of the Brunei Nationality Act, under Section 5(1) – Malay language written test, Section 6(1) – children of mothers who are Brunei citizens, children to fathers who are Brunei citizens and adopted children to parents holding Brunei citizenship and Section 5(6) – wives to husbands who are Brunei citizens. – James Kon
