Participants of the get-together ceremony for the Tutong District yesterday shared their excitement of greeting 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 for His Majesty’s 78th birthday.
Haji Mohammad Syafien Yandol from the Puak Sang Jati Dusun (PSJD) of Kampong Pad Nunok said, “We felt honoured to be here this year. We have a group of nine performers today to present the traditional Dusun song, Ancayau, using the wooden gendang instrument for His Majesty. We feel privileged to be able to present our performance to His Majesty, especially for His Majesty’s birthday.”
He added, “The musical instrument is made from kayu sadaman, a soft wood that can easily adjust the tone of the music. Ancayau is performed to welcome guests and warriors back home after a successful outing. The tradition carries on today with children still very much involved – efforts are being done to preserve our tradition by actively teaching the young generation.”
Haji Mohammad Syafien Yandol, dressed in traditional Dusun attire, also expressed his birthday greeting to His Majesty in the Dusun language.
As with every year’s ceremony, Tutong’s Chinese community also participated in the get-together. On behalf of community, Soon Seng Lee said, “Tutong District is the first to host the get-together ceremony this year and we prepared a big birthday cake for His Majesty.” “We would like to wish His Majesty to be blessed with good health and longevity to continue to rule the country with wise leadership,” he added.
He also said, “All the residents and citizens are very grateful to the loving monarch for taking care of the country’s people with good welfare in healthcare, education and well-being. This signifies the theme of this year’s get-together, ’Raja Berdaulat Kesayangan Rakyat’, showcasing our love and loyalty to His Majesty.”
Meanwhile, President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce of Brunei Darussalam Nazeer Ahmad Zakaria said, “This year’s celebration was very lively with Tutong being the first to host the get-together ceremony. We are honoured to be here again this year and will be presenting a 10-kilogramme birthday cake to His Majesty.”
He also expressed his gratitude to His Majesty and wished the monarch continued good health, longevity and prosperity. – James Kon
