Bandar Seri Begawan abuzz with grand celebration

The streets of Bandar Seri Begawan have been crowded with hundreds of well-wishers to fulfill 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 throughout a get-together ceremony yesterday to have fun the monarch’s 77th birthday.

Main and secondary college college students waving mini flags lined the road to welcome the royal entourage.

His Majesty and members of the royal household’s arrival at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien have been accompanied by beats of the hadrah.

Accompanying the monarch have been His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister on the Prime Minister’s Workplace; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah.

His Majesty and members of the royal household have been greeted by Minister of Residence Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman as Chairman of the Nationwide Committee for His Majesty’s 77th birthday celebration.

After the singing of the nationwide anthem, His Majesty and members of the royal household witnessed an lively and vibrant efficiency by 400 individuals comprising college students, youth, authorities and personal businesses.

The efficiency themed ‘Raja Untuk Rakyat, Rakyat Untuk Raja’ showcased unity amongst individuals of all walks of life. It was divided into three segments – ‘Menjunjung Kasih’, ‘Raja Berjiwa Rakyat’ and grand finale named ‘Raja Pengasih, Rakyat Bahagia’ – combining conventional and fashionable parts.

The primary section comprised gemalai dance with Payung Mahkota track.

The second half – impressed by Raja Berdaulat, Rakyat Bahagia – showcased a mixture of dance and martial arts with songs Oh Kanak-Kanak and Cuk Kerapang.

The grand finale that includes the track Raja Pengasih, Rakyat Bahagia and dance symbolised the Bruneian individuals’s gratitude to be blessed with a caring monarch.

His Majesty and members of the royal household later met the performers and toured the cubicles with well-wishers.

The crowds, braving scorching warmth, greeted His Majesty and members of the royal household and took pictures as momentos. – Rokiah Mahmud & Lyna Mohamad