By Azlan Othman
His Majesty and members of the royal family yesterday received festive greetings from thousands of well wishers who showed up at the Istana Nurul Iman on the first day of the open house.
The visitors - both local and foreign - expressed great enthusiasm as they waited to meet and greet the royal family.
Peter Crisp from Perth, Australia, was one of the thousands of well wishers of the day. He gave a thumbs-up to the 'open house' concept, and also expressed his delight in regard to the special treatment extended towards the elderly who waited in line to greet the royal family.
Meanwhile, physically impaired Said bin Tamit, 69, from Kg Pekilong was equally enthusiastic to extend his festive greetings to the royal family. Accompanied by his wife and daughter, Said revealed that he makes the visit to the palace almost annually.
Maisalamah Ibrahim, 62, was also in high-spirit, saying that she was extremely keen on visiting the palace and getting up close with the royalty
But for See Chi Soon, 62, and wife Cheong Shaw Chin, 60, from Kg Subok, they had one more reason to make the visit this year.
The pair wanted to use the opportunity to personally thank His Majesty for increasing the Old Pensions Fund.
- Borneo Bulletin
(26th October 2006)
