BY Daniel Lim

Residents in the Belait District on Thursday gathered at the Municipal Field, Kuala Belait for a get-together with 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 to celebrate the monarch’s 76th birthday.

His Majesty, 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 Sufri Bolkiah, was greeted by Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman on arrival at a helipad.

The royal entourage then headed to the venue for the get-together, where they were welcomed by the district’s students waving miniature national flags.

The national anthem was sung to kick off the main event – a performance titled ‘Raja Disanjung, Rakyat Menjunjung’ by 489 students and youth members.

His Majesty and members of the royal family toured the booths, during which the monarch was greeted by frontliners, senior citizens and residents as well as representatives of institutions, companies and the British Forces Brunei.

Following the get-together, His Majesty and members of the royal family attended a luncheon at the Belait District Officer’s residence.

The event concluded with the royal entourage heading back to the capital by car.

The next get-together will be held in the Brunei-Muara District on Sunday.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin