BY Hakim Hayat

The heart of the capital on Sunday was awash with vibrant colours and cheerful atmosphere as Brunei-Muara District residents greeted and conveyed warm wishes to 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 on the occasion of His Majesty’s 76th birthday celebration, during the get-together at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien.

Hundreds of exuberant schoolchildren and the public lined Jalan Sultan and waved mini flags as His Majesty arrived to the Taman, accompanied by the beats of the hadrah.

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.

Upon arrival, His Majesty and members of the royal family were greeted by Cabinet ministers and senior officials that were members of the National Committee for His Majesty’s 76th Birthday Celebration.

Following the national anthem, His Majesty and members of the royal family witnessed a colourful performance – a blend of traditional and modern skit, dancing and singing elements.

Titled ‘Raja Untuk Rakyat dan Rakyat Untuk Raja’, the performance involved over 400 performers, comprising primary and secondary school students in the Brunei-Muara District, as well as representatives from public and private sectors.

Following the performance, His Majesty and members of the royal family met the performers on stage and mingled with residents at designated booths consisting of different public and private as well as non-governmental organisations.

The event extended along Jalan Sultan, where His Majesty and members of the royal family met the students before proceeding to the Lapau for a lunch reception.

The series of annual get-togethers for the people to meet and greet the monarch and other members of the royal family will culminate in the Tutong District on Tuesday.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin