BY Lyna Mohamad

The get-together events 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’s 76th birthday celebration concluded on Tuesday in the Tutong District.

Accompanying His Majesty were 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; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.

His Majesty and members of the royal family were greeted at the Tutong Helipad near the Tutong District Officer’s residence, by Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman as the Chairman of the National Committee for His Majesty’s 76th Birthday Celebration and other senior officials.

His Majesty and members of the royal family then made a stop at the official residence of the Tutong District Officer before heading to the Tutong District Civic Centre Complex.

Welcoming His Majesty and members of the royal family along the roads leading to the field were students from Tutong schools waving miniature national flags.

People from all walks of life gathered at Tutong District Civic Centre Complex Field for the opportunity to get up close with the monarch. His Majesty’s arrival at the royal dais was greeted with the singing of the national anthem, followed by a special colourful field performance by 276 performers themed ‘Raja untuk Rakyat dan Rakyat untuk Raja’.

His Majesty and other members of the royal family then met the field performers, non-governmental organisations, penghulus, uniformed bodies and associations, the private sector and district residents.

Following the get-together, His Majesty and other members of the royal family were ushered for a luncheon and cake-cutting ceremony at the Main Hall of the Tutong District Civic Centre Complex where prior to the luncheon, a Doa Selamat was recited.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin