By Azaraimy HH
In a fabulous show of unison, residents of Temburong District yesterday displayed their adoration and undivided loyalty towards His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
Thousands of citizens and residents took to the field of Pekan Bangar Community Hall Complex to pay tribute to their beloved ruler.
His Majesty arrived in Pekan Bangar by helicopter and was greeted on arrival by Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Dato Awg Haji Adanan, his Deputy, Pehin Dato Haji Dani, the Ministry's Permanent Secretaries and Temburong District Officer, Pg Abd Haris bin Pg Hj Shabudin.
More than 2,000 school children wearing different ethnic costumes lined up the road towards the complex waving flags to welcome the monarch.
Loud cheers of "Daulut Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik" greeted His Majesty at the complex.
Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, HRH Prince Abdul Azim, HRH Prince Abdul Malik and HRH Prince Abdul Mateen.
The Temburong District Officer on behalf of the citizens, residents and government servants in the district pledged undivided loyalty to His Majesty during his welcoming address.
He said under His Majesty's wise leadership, Temburong District was enjoying continued development in various fields that are proof of the government's endless efforts in upgrading the standard of living of the people in the district.
There was more vigour in the field performance this year as the 800-odd participants including students and youths from different organisations presented five symbolic patterns, each of them delivering a significant message.
Later, His Majesty mingled with the people in a get-together session. People from all walks of life had gathered at the field to greet their monarch.
His Majesty then consented to officiate the 'Taman Gemilang 60' arch, which is a gift from the people of Temburong to His Majesty.
The monument features copper encrusted umbrella symbolising His Majesty's rule. The subjects in the district are represented by a lantern symbolising the Malay race, Siruang for the Murut, Utap for the Iban and a hexagon representing the Chinese, all living in harmony. The replica of timber, pebbles and padi show the district's main source of income and the 60 steps signifying His Majesty's 60th birthday.
His Majesty then proceeded to Dewan Belalong and toured an exhibition "Reminiscing the Land of the Green Valley", showing various ethnic groups, industries in the district as well as replicas of padi fields and exhibits from the scout association in Temburong.
His Majesty and members of the royal family then joined government officers, community leaders and other invited guests for a luncheon.
As it was with Tutong District early this week, the presence of His Majesty for the get-together ceremony made the day for many as they cherished greeting their monarch personally. The ceremony also marks the start of celebrations in the district with a series of events lined up until the end of the month.
- Borneo Bulletin
(20th July 2006)
