By Aemy Azlena and Huraizah Ahmad
The people and the community of Tutong District yesterday bestowed a great birthday tribute to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan by attending the Royal Get-Together in their thousands with heartfelt hospitality.
The Seri Kenangan Community Field was filled with thousands from all walks of life as people congregated there for a chance to meet with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darusalam at the second 'Bersama Rakyat' or Royal Get-Together held in conjunction with his Majesty's 61st birthday.
Accompanying His Majesty were HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, HRH Prince Abdul Azim and HRH Prince Abdul Malik.
His Majesty and the Royal entourage were greeted at the Helipad by Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Haji Adanan, the Minister of Home Affairs, senior government officials and the Acting Tutong District Officer, Hj Jamain bin Momin.
After His Majesty's arrival, the National Anthem and 'Allah Peliharakan Sultan' were played, after which "Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik" was chanted out three times.
This was followed by a speech delivered by the Acting Tutong District Officer, Hj Jamain bin Momin.
The highlight of the event was the special field performances made up of 700 individuals including students, ethnic communities and various groups who performed in their traditional and colourful costumes.
The show ended with the Grand Finale of the performers chanting out "Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik" followed by a Flip Card showing "Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik" and the theme "Raja Berdaulat Membawa Rahmat" as multi coloured confetti blasted into the air as balloons floated in the sky and performers let out cheers of joy.
At the end of the performance, His Majesty and the Royal entourage consented to receive greetings from the Tutong people who came from various kampongs and mukims, many of whom were eager and excited to meet the Royals.
His Majesty then consented to take a group photo along with various senior government officials, Tutong Mukim and village heads, as well as the organising committee for the event prior to the Santap that was held at the Seri Kenangan Community Hall.
- Borneo Bulletin
(20th July 2007)
