BY Izah Azahari

With high spirits and enthusiasm, 276 participants showed their gusto performing in a get-together in Tutong District for 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 the royal entourage.

The three-part performance themed ‘Raja untuk Rakyat dan Rakyat untuk Raja’ began with a six-minute segment called ‘Syukuran Al-Hidayah’ showing the people’s gratitude to Allah the Almighty for blessing the nation with a wise and just monarch as well as peace and prosperity.

A dance performance was also held accompanied by a choir group and children performing nasyid and dakwah songs. The dancers carried shields, daun beringin and bendera pisang-pisang to symbolise security, obedience, peace and prosperity.

The second part of the performance was a seven-minute ‘Raja Kesayangan Rakyat’ showing the pride and joy of the multi-ethnic Tutong people in meeting His Majesty. It featured traditional dances of three tribes and two communities in the district.

The final segment was ‘Raja Berdaulat Disyukuri Rakyat’ song performance on the monarch being in the hearts of the Sultanate’s populace.

The finale saw all performers joining in the presentation that combined traditional and modern dances with Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) characteristics.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin