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

Queen Elizabeth II in a message said, “It gives me great pleasure to extend to Your Majesty my congratulations on the occasion of your 67th birthday, together with my continued best wishes for the peace and happiness of the people of Brunei Darussalam.”

Malaysia’s Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Al-Haj Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah and Tuanku Raja Permaisuri Agong Hajah Haminah also sent a message on the occasion of His Majesty’s 67th birthday.

His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia expressed his pleasure at the long-standing close relations and friendship that exist between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia.

His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong also expressed his hopes that these relations would continue and be further strengthened.

The Agong prayed to Allah the Almighty that His Majesty would remain in good health and under His protection continue to rule Brunei Darussalam.

In concluding his message, His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong said he will continue to pray for His Majesty, members of the royal family and the people of Brunei to be continuously endowed with blessing and prosperity.

Singapore President Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam also sent a similar message to His Majesty. (See also P6)

“On behalf of the people of the Republic of Singapore, my wife joins me in offering our hearti-est congratulations on the auspicious occasion of Your Majesty’s 67th birthday,” said the Singapore President in a message.

“Under Your Majesty’s able and astute leadership, Brunei Darussalam continues to progress and prosper. As Asean Chairman, Your Majesty has helped ensure Asean’s centrality in the region. Singapore will continue to extend our full support for Brunei’s Chairmanship.”

While thanking His Majesty for the excellent arrangement during his State Visit to Brunei recently, the Singapore President saw it as an opportunity to enhance the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

“My wife and I would like to offer our best wishes for Your Majesty and Her Majesty’s good health and success,” the president said and sent his best wishes to Their Majesties for the holy month of Ramadhan.

He added that he was looking forward to welcoming Their Majesties to Singapore in the near future. - Borneo Bulletin (15 July 2013)