Hundreds of young schoolgirls were celebrating in glee as His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam visited their school in Lambak Kanan yesterday where many, if not all, waited patiently in anticipation to greet their beloved ruler in person.

As part of a scheduled visit to several locations within Mukim Berakas 'B' and described as being a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity', the beloved monarch took the time to interact with students currently studying at the all-girls Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School in Lambak Kanan, Mukim Berakas 'B', whose student population currently stands at more than 900, with 100 teachers and some two dozen non-teaching staff.

Making up a good portion of the morning's visit, His Majesty consented to take an almost two-hour tour of the facility where His Majesty was greeted by the youngsters who, under the guidance of their teachers, invested their time in a programme for the monarch that consisted of several presentations on topics such as their extra-curricular activities and what they have been taught in their respective classrooms.

Following the ceremonial presentation of house keys that took place at the school's premises, His Majesty consented take a closer look at the school's classrooms and laboratories where the students, poised and ready, greeted His Majesty with an enthusiastic good morning followed with a number of interactions with the monarch, who took a keen interest in the student's academic and self-development activities.

The school's Principal, Hashimawati binti Hj Mohammad, was present during the royal tour.

Among the many stops that His Majesty made at the school was the school's two-storey library, where His Majesty perused a number of books. The monarch was also introduced to a number of projects that had been painstakingly prepared as part of the students' learning curriculum.

The students, many of whom were proudly wearing their Girl Guide, military, police and martial arts uniforms, also presented His Majesty with a number of their acquired skills from defence moves to a live band performance that took place at the school's outdoor foyer.

Towards the end of the visit to the school, His Majesty also consented to take a group photo with the school's academic and non-academic staff as the students looked on.

His Majesty then consented to receive a 'pesambah' by one of the students in the form of a portrait of the monarch and the student's grandfather, Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Salia Awg Hj Mohd Tarif bin Pehin Orang Kaya Perdana Wangsa Hj Mohammad that was taken in 1959 in Kuala Lumpur.

Even after the end of His Majesty's visit, the students were still heard expressing their joy in having met with His Majesty, and many described the exhilarating experience of anticipating and receiving the royal visit. - Borneo Bulletin (28 June 2012)