By Farah Ahmadnawi
Thousands of people from different races and ethnic groups braved the heat to gather at the Community Hall Complex Field in Bangar Town, Temburong District yesterday morning to pay tribute to their beloved ruler, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
Temburong, known as the Green Jewel, was the second district to host the get-together session for the monarch in conjunction with the 64th birthday celebrations. The residents of Temburong cherished the opportunity to greet His Majesty and the royal entourage.
Upon arrival at the Bangar Town helipad, His Majesty was greeted by Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awg Badaruddin bin Pengerah Dato Paduka Haji Othman, and Deputy Minister Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Halbi bin Haji Md Yusof.
Accompanying His Majesty were HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, HRH Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, HRH Prince 'Abdul 'Azim and HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik.
The national anthem echoed through the field as His Majesty ascended the royal dais followed by three cheers of 'Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik' from the village heads and officials in the district.
Haji Afero Eswandy, Acting Temburong District Officer, spoke at the event and hailed His Majesty's visit to the district as a proof of His Majesty's care and concern for the welfare and well being of the residents.
On behalf of the citizens and residents of Temburong District, the Acting District Officer pledged their undivided loyalty to His Majesty with a promise to stand firm and united under the monarch's strong leadership.
A special performance themed 'Doa untuk Raja dan Digarhayu' was carried out by over 450 participants comprising students from Sultan Hassan Bangar Secondary and Primary School, youths, Mukim and village consultative councils and volunteers to express their gratitude to the monarch.
His Majesty and the royal entourage received greetings from the well wishers who waited in anticipation and took the opportunity to greet the ruler in person.
Prior to his departure, His Majesty and the royal entourage proceeded to the Santap Hall for lunch.
Two remaining districts - Tutong and Brunei-Muara - are gearing up to host the get-together event as they prepare to entertain and pay tribute to the ruler.
- Borneo Bulletin
(21st July 2010)
