By Sonia K, James Kon & Azrol Azmi
It was truly a moment to cherish for many who had gathered at the ICC as His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and members of the royal family celebrated the third day of Chinese New Year with the Chinese community in a get-together ceremony.
Accompanying His Majesty at the ceremony were 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, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen, Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna and other members of the royal family.
Present to welcome His Majesty and the royal entourage were Dr Chan Hiang Heng, Chairperson of the organising committee, Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Goh King Chin, Pehin Kapitan Cina Kornia Diraja Awang Lau Ah Kok, Pehin Bendahari Cina Kornia Diraja Awang Ng Teck Hock and Pehin Bendahari Cina Awang Onn Siew Siong as well as other local Chinese community leaders from all four districts. Also present at the ceremony were various ministers and senior government officials.
There were colourful performances including a lion dance on stilts as high as 10 feet, series of traditional Chinese and Malay dances showcased by students of Chung Hwa Middle School in the capital, PDS International School, Tiong Hua Community members and traditional Chinese music played by the Brunei Shell Recreation Club.
After the performances, His Majesty and the royal entourage mingled with the Chinese community and toured an exhibition set up especially for the get-together ceremony.
The monarch also tried out some of the traditional Chinese musical instruments on display.
(21st February 2007)
