HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to receive congratulatory messages from Singapore leaders on the occasion of the monarch’s 67th birthday.

In a congratulatory message released by the Singapore High Commission, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Leong said, “On behalf of the Government and people of Singapore, I offer my warmest congratulations to Your Majesty on the occasion of your 67th birthday.

“Brunei has continued to make steady progress under Your Majesty’s leadership. Your people enjoy peace and stability, and Brunei’s international standing has risen. Brunei has been an excellent Asean Chairman, advancing Asean’s community building initiatives, and fostering consensus between Asean and our dialogue partners. I look forward to a fruitful Asean Summit this October.

“Your Majesty has been a strong supporter of our countries’ special friendship. I am glad that we are expanding our cooperation and promoting more exchanges between our leaders and people. I look forward to continue working with Your Majesty to strengthen our relationship for many more years to come.

“Ho Ching joins me in wishing Your Majesty continued good health and success. We also wish both Your Majesty and Her Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha a blessed Ramadhan.”

Singapore’s Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, meanwhile in his congratulatory message said, “Please allow me to congratulate Your Majesty on the joyous occasion of Your Majesty’s 67th birthday.

“The warm friendship shared by Singapore and Brunei Darussalam is anchored on close ties between our leaders, and strong links between our peoples. I am confident that relations between our countries will continue to grow under Your Majesty’s guidance and leadership. I would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate Your Majesty on Brunei’s successful Chairmanship of Asean in 2013. Please accept my warmest regards and wishes for Your Majesty’s good health.”

Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew also congratulated His Majesty on the occasion of His Majesty’s 67th birthday. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations on Your Majesty’s 67th birthday. The people of Brunei Darussalam have benefited greatly from Your Majesty’s wise leadership.

“I am confident that Brunei Darussalam will continue to enjoy peace and stability under Your Majesty’s capable guidance.

“Over the decades, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam have built up a special friendship, founded on mutual trust and respect. I am confident that relation will continue to strengthen in the years to come.

“Please accept my best wishes for Your Majesty’s good health and happiness.” - Borneo Bulletin (15 July 2013)