By Aziz Idris
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Supreme Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), last night consented to attend a royal banquet hosted by RBAF.
The grand reception commemorating His Majesty's 64th birthday celebrations was held at the BRIDEX Hall in Jerudong.
Accompanying His Majesty were Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, HRH Prince General Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and General of RBAF, 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.
Upon arrival, His Majesty and the royal entourage were greeted by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, and Commander of RBAF, Dato Paduka Seri Major General Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, as well as other senior officers from the Ministry of Defence and RBAF.
His Majesty was then introduced to RBAF officers and personnel. This was followed by the presentation of the National Anthem by the RBAF choir.
After His Majesty cut the birthday cake, His Majesty consented to receive a 'pesambah' from the RBAF Commander on behalf of the officers and personnel of RBAF.
The 'pesembah' this year was a ship symbolising a manifest feeling of gratefulness from RBAF officers and personnel for His Majesty's leadership as the Supreme Commander of RBAF and 'Ulul Amri' in making Brunei Darussalam a blessed country of 'Zikir'.
A doa selamat was recited by the Head of RBAF Religious Department (JA'MAAT), Lieutenant Colonel (U) Haji Abdur' Rahim bin Haji Abd Karim.
Nasyid and Tausyeh performances were showcased during the royal birthday banquet.
His Majesty and other members of the Royal family consented to receive a 'Junjung Ziarah' from officers of the Ministry of Defence and RBAF.
At the end of the royal banquet, His Majesty signed the Royal Parchment.
- Borneo Bulletin
(31st July 2010)
