BY James Kon

Communities in Temburong District on Tuesday morning gathered to greet 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 at the get-together for the monarch’s 76th birthday celebration at the field of the Community Hall Complex in Pekan Bangar, Temburong District.

Temburong kicked off the series of get-together where the populace gets the opportunity to meet the monarch.

Arriving at the Pekan Bangar helipad, His Majesty and members of the royal family were greeted by Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman and other senior officials.

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; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah.

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

His Majesty and members of royal family then made a stop at the official residence of the Temburong District Officer before heading to the Community Hall Complex.

Also present at the get-together was Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof.

His Majesty’s arrival at the royal dais was greeted with the singing of the national anthem, followed by a colourful field performance.

His Majesty and other members of the royal family then met the field performers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), penghulus, the private sector and residents as well as performers from ethnic groups in the district.

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 Community Hall Complex.

Prior to departure, His Majesty also met members of the national committee for the event and special guests.

The next get-together ceremony will be held tomorrow in the Belait District.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin