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 was welcomed to the Temburong District yesterday by hundreds of performers and residents of the district for the get-together in conjunction with the monarch’s 78th birthday celebration.

The monarch was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, as well as co-chairs of the celebration’s national committee. Students from Temburong schools lined up along the road to a field where a special field performance was set to take place, waving mini-national flags as His Majesty travelled to the royal dais.

The performance, themed Raja Untuk Rakyat dan Rakyat Untuk Raja, highlighted the relationship between the monarch and the people. The monarch who is concerned and caring provides various facilities and support for the people for the sake of national progress and the people upholds these facilities with gratitude and will always be ready to aid in the development of the country.

The field performance also carried the concept Raja Berkat Negara Zikir, which portrayed His Majesty is a ruler and Ulil-Amri who is loved by the people, while reflecting His Majesty’s desire and vision for the nation to become a full-fledged Islamic country.

The performance was divided into three segments: Bunga Bangsa dan Dirgahayu 78, which expressed Temburong residents’ delight in welcoming His Majesty to the district; Syahadah Laksamana, which depicted Temburong residents’ unwavering support and loyalty to the monarch; and Indah Permata Hijau, which portrayed the beauty of the district and its development.

After the performance, His Majesty met with the participants before proceeding to a get-together with the district’s residents.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin