James Kon
Committees assigned for the 76th birthday celebrations of 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 must work together to overcome challenges that come with the COVID-19 pandemic thus ensuring the smooth-sailing of the occasion.
This was said by Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong chairing the first meeting of the National Committee for His Majesty’s 76th birthday celebrations at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday.
He said unified support and teamwork shown in the previous editions should be used as references to ensure that this year’s celebration will also produce similar outcome.
Despite the Sultanate being in the Early Endemic Phase, which will end on May 31, the minister said the decreasing rate of daily COVID-19 cases is due to the blessings from Allah the Almighty and cooperation from all parties in following the health guidelines and standard operating procedures.
“The Ministry of Health will deliver a briefing on the latest COVID-19 situation in mid-July, to advise the committee in the planning and implementing of His Majesty’s 76th birthday celebrations,” he said.
The minister also said, “In 2021, we implemented some of the main events for His Majesty’s birthday celebration including the get-together events with people in all districts, which was held in a medium scale.” He added that they will be able to conduct similar outcome despite challenges like last year.
The minister said the success of the events is due to the involvement of all parties and a “show of commitment, love and loyalty towards His Majesty”.
The festive celebrations, especially the get-together events, are the long-awaited opportunity for the people in the Sultanate to meet His Majesty and other members of the royal family up close and personal.
“The celebrations are also a manifestation of the sense of gratitude for the blessings of peace and prosperity enjoyed in the country under the wise leadership of His Majesty,” he said.
The involvement of the younger generation comprising youth members and students is also a symbol of national spirit, the minister added.
As Chairman of the National Committee for His Majesty’s 76th birthday celebrations this year, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar hoped that the committees involved will strive to make improvements and implement planned events with commitment and cohesive cooperation.
Faced with challenges concerning COVID-19, the minister said, “It is important to pay serious attention to the aspects of health, safety, security and environment to ensure the safety of all.”
Among the agendas discussed at the meeting were preparation for main events namely the flag-hoisting and lowering ceremonies, mass Maghrib and Isyak prayers, ceremonial parade, the get-together events, the recitation of Surah Yaasiin, Tahlil and Doa Kesyukuran ceremony, the 76-Times Khatam Al-Quran of mukim and village consultative council members and students, regatta, the Knowledge Convention and the royal birthday book publication.
The placement of decorative arches, illuminations, banners and hosting side events were also discussed during the meeting.
Also present at the meeting were Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris bin Pengiran Maharaja Lela Pengiran Muda Abdul Kahar, Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, district officers, members from the private sectors, and members of the National Committee for His Majesty’s 76th birthday celebrations.
Medical Officer Grade II under Environmental Health Department of the Ministry of Health Dr Haji Muhammad Norizni bin Haji Mosli also delivered a briefing on the current COVID-19 situation.
