Chinese community's Tribute to His Majesty
By James Kon

Perfect and memorable, are the best ways to describe the Chinese New Year Get-Together Ceremony of His Majesty Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam and the Chinese community at the International Convention Centre, yesterday on the tenth day of the Chinese New Year celebration.

Among those who accompanied His Majesty to the annual event with the Chinese Community were Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah the Crown Prince, Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen.

Upon arrival, His Majesty and members of the Royal Family were greeted by members of the organising committee comprising 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 Dato Paduka Awang Onn Siew Siong, Awang Ang Swee Chuan, Dr Chan Sui Kiat, Mr Chan Key Hong and Mr Jackson Ting.

Prior to the start of the ceremony, the organising committee members with His Majesty and the royal family held a group photograph session for remembrance.

Thousands of people from the Chinese Community attended the event. After entering the Plenary Hall, His Majesty was consented to complete the Chinese character 'FU'. Fu is one of the most popular Chinese characters used in Chinese New Year and it signifies blessing, good fortune and good luck.

The organising committee then proceeded to present a 'Pesambah' to His Majesty

The highlight of the ceremony was the spectacular acrobatic performances by a specially invited troupe from Shanghai, China. The performance was divided into four segments of acrobatic moves.

In addition, there were also traditional Chinese cultural dances from students of Chung Hwa Middle School, BSB and Chung Hua School of Kuala Belait.

Thousands of people lined up eagerly to greet His Majesty and the royal family.

Before the ceremony came to a close, His Majesty and members of the royal family proceeded to view a row of exhibits, just outside the Hall. - Borneo Bulletin (17th Feb 2008)


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