By Aziz Idri
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Inspector General of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), yesterday consented to attend a royal banquet hosted by RBPF.
The grand reception commemorating His Majesty's 64th birthday celebration was held at Dewan Assarraa in the capital.
Upon arrival, His Majesty and other members of the royal family were greeted by a trumpet fanfare performance by RBPF band members and led into the hall by Pehin Datu Kerma Setia Dato Paduka Seri Zainuddin Jalani, the Commissioner of Police, for the customary greeting and receiving of birthday wishes from RBPF officers and their spouses.
Accompanying His Majesty were Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pg Anak Hajah Saleha, HRH Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Deputy Inspector General of RBPF, HRH Paduka Seri Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Sarah, HRH Prince Jefri Bolkiah, HRH Prince 'Abdul 'Azim, HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik and other members of the royal family.
Proceeding to the stage, His Majesty consented to cut the birthday cake as a choir made up of RBPF officers performed the birthday song, "Selamat Hari Keputeraan" in honour of His Majesty's 64th birthday followed by another round of greetings by officers and their spouses expressing their well wishes.
A pesambah was presented to His Majesty by the Police Commissioner on behalf of the RBPF on the occasion of His Majesty's 64th birthday.
The pesambah from RBPF this year was a shinning white crystal supported by five pillars symbolising the 'five pillars of Islam' designed with five stars meaning 'Inspector General'.
Decorated with the royal crest on top and His Majesty's portrait in four corners, the pesambah symbolises a firm leader focused on peace and tranquillity for the good of the nation.
The dinner concluded with a signing of the 64th birthday anniversary parchment prepared by RBPF to commemorate His Majesty's presence at this year's celebration.
- Borneo Bulletin
(29th July 2010)
