Tourists, expatriates and foreign residents in the country were delighted with the opportunity to meet 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 and other members of the royal family during the get-together ceremony in the Brunei-Muara District yesterday.
Australians Tim Rayn and his wife Jane said it was a fantastic experience to witness the festivities over the last few days.
The couple, visiting the country over the past week, also had a chance to meet and shake hands with the monarch.
“What a wonderful leader Brunei has,” said Rayn, adding he felt His Majesty was approachable, as they were able to meet and speak to him despite being ordinary Australian citizens. He said His Majesty was clearly adored by the people.
“We think your country is absolutely fantastic, vibrant and flourishing. We are impressed with everything we have seen today, looking at the people, the colours, the smiles and the general air of happiness.
“What a beautiful country you have,” he added.
Jane, an architect, said she was fascinated by the local buildings. “Not many Australians come to spend a lot of time in Brunei, so we wanted to know a bit more about the country,” she said, adding it felt lovely to meet the monarch.
Meanwhile, Maide and Carlos from Spain arrived in Brunei while travelling the region.
They visited Kuwait, Bahrain and Singapore before arriving in the country four days ago.
While visiting the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, they learnt of the get- together and were told it was an opportunity not to be missed.
“When we heard that royalty will be coming to the event, we were excited and looked forward to the experience,” said 29-year-old Maide.
“We wanted to see the costumes, the culture and meet the monarch,” she said.
Carlos said they were lucky that they were able to listened to local music, taste the food and see the clothes the people wore at the event.
“We tried the street food at the night market and visited local places. Your country is one of the kindest, the people are kind and always smiling and it is really great,” he said.
The couple continued their trip by departing for the Philippines last night.
Japanese Miki and Shizuka, both posted at the Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam, were delighted to attend the get-together and were looking forward to a chance to meet the monarch.
Miki, posted to the embassy four months ago said what she liked most about the country is the calmness and the weather.
She said her favourite food so far is nasi campur, which she eats a few times a week.
Shizuka, posted to the embassy a year ago, also enjoys the local food and drinks, due to the rich flavour.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Haji Rauf Khan, together with about 50 of his countrymen representing the Pakistan Business Chamber in Brunei Darussalam said they were regular participants of the get-together.
“Alhamdulillah, we see this as an opportunity not only to wish His Majesty long life and good health, but also a chance to extend our deepest appreciation for allowing us to live, work and do business peacefully in the country.”
Haji Rauf said he has been living in Brunei since 1965, when he arrived as an 18-year-old. He loves Brunei because it is a Muslim country that observes and practises many religious events. “This showcases the unity of the people and their love for the monarch,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rory James Tixon, who works for the Centre for British Teachers (CfBT) Brunei, said this was the second time he joined in the get together.
“Last year I was blown away with the opportunity to meet the royal family and show our appreciation to His Majesty. As guests, we always feel great and it is a valuable experience to see so many people involved and everything working beautifully together,” he added.
Karl from Australia and Charlotte from Belgium arrived at the venue an hour before the main event began.
“We are here to see some places of interest in the country,” said Karl, adding that they felt fortunate to be able to witness the ceremony.
“We didn’t know until the hotel staff told us about it, that the monarch would be there. We just had to walk down the street from the hotel and see the event.”
“Brunei is a beautiful country and the people are very friendly. The field performance was beautiful and very interesting,” he said, adding that this was the first time that the two friends experienced such a showcase.
Local residents were also delighted at the get together and the chance to meet the royal family.
A senior citizen and his spouse shared it had been a while since the last time they witnessed such a major gathering, and made the journey to the capital to be part of the crowd.
The couple from Mentiri left around 6am and parked at Tamu Kianggeh before walking to the field where the get-together took place, with the hopes of meeting His Majesty.
Meanwhile, Haji Mohd Amin bin Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Sirat joined up with fellow alumni of Bruneian Students from the Brunei Hostel in Singapore.
He expressed gratitude that the event ran smoothly and the weather was good, adding that the personnel did a good job in looking after the safety of the people as they wished the monarch longevity and good health. – Lyna Mohamad
