BY Rokiah Mahmud

Tutong District was the last stop in the series of get-togethers to mark 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.

The event at the Tutong District Civic Centre Complex on Tuesday was an opportunity for the district’s residents to meet and greet the beloved monarch.

Among them were representatives of the Dusun ethnic group in Mukim Tanjong Maya and Mukim Ukong, who showcased their traditional dances – Ancayau and Tamarok at the ceremony.

The Ancayau was traditionally performed to welcome warriors returning from warfare or their campaign of domination. The dancers wore red, black and white attire to represent gallantry, toughness and strength of the warriors.

The Tamarok is performed during thanksgiving events, particularly after paddy harvests, thus an apt representation of Dusun ethnic tradition and customs.

Another performance during the get-together was Gambus Warisan, showcased by 7 Rumpun Keluarga Nayan (7RKN), a group comprising three generations of Keluarga Nayan descendants. Group member and Kampong Lamunin Village Head Major (Rtd) Said bin Haji Tinggal said they participate in the gathering almost every year and they are privileged to see His Majesty appreciate the performance.

Chung Hwa School Kiudang also took the chance to show their appreciation and love for the monarch by presenting a pesambah in the form of Chinese calligraphy.

One of the representatives, Kelvin Pong, said, “His Majesty gracing the events and meeting his subjects – despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – shows the monarch’s love for the Bruneian people.

“We are presenting His Majesty with a pesambah of calligraphy to wish the monarch a happy birthday and wish for longevity.

“We are happy that His Majesty drew the last stroke of the calligraphy and signed it,” he said.

His Majesty also received other pesambah during the get-together including kain tenunan – a traditional Bruneian handwoven cloth – called Si Lubang from Managing Director of Samima Sdn Bhd Haji Hidayatullah bin Haji Tajudeen.

He said the pesambah was a show of gratitude for opportunities provided by His Majesty’s Government.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin