By Za'im Zaini & P Marilyn
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam last night witnessed a magnificent Royal extravaganza, 'Malam Serumpun Seri 60', at the Taman Haji Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien.
Before the arrival of His Majesty the Sultan, a flashback video clip was shown on the big screen showing His Majesty at the Get Together with the people in the four districts of the country.
His Majesty the Sultan was accompanied by Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha, Her Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah.
Also present were HRH Prince Abdul Azim, HRH Prince Abdul Malik, HRH Prince Abdul Mateen, HRH Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah and YAM Pengiran Maharaja Setia Laila Diraja Sahibul Irshad Pg Anak Hj Abdul Rahim and other members of the Royal family.
Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Adanan, Minister of Home Affairs, who is also the Chairman of the National Committee for His Majesty's 60th Birthday celebrations.
Also attending the event were ministers, permanent secretaries, senior government officials, foreign diplomats and thousands of loyal citizens of Brunei Darussalam.
Last night's festivities began with a dance performance titled 'Serumpun Seri 60' accompanied by a spectacular show of fireworks and songs performed by Brunei artistes entitled 'Semerbak Kasih Meniti Usia' and 'Bandar Seri Begawan'.
The programme continued with a march-past headed by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Military band and participated by the 'Malam Serumpun Seri 60' organising committee, followed by the Asean tug-of-war contingents.
Another highlight of the night was the much awaited float procession involving teams from government ministries and departments as well as the private sector.
The event also featured presentations by the people of the Tutong and Temburong districts, students of PDS, Belait District and 'Kerlipan Bintang-Bintang Tanah Air', a cultural show by delegates from Propinsi Lampung Indonesia and a performance by invited artistes from Malaysia and Indonesia. There was also a spectacular mass dance called 'Gemala Sari'.
His Majesty presented prizes to winners of the tug-of-war invitational competition and the float procession at the end of the night's festivities.
- Borneo Bulletin
(6th August 2006)
