HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to attend a ceremonial tribute for His Majesty’s late parents at the Royal Mausoleum in Jalan Tutong yesterday.

The monarch was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.

Upon arrival at the Royal Mausoleum, His Majesty and other members of the royal family were greeted by the Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Hj Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar; the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad Pg Hj Abdul Rahman and his deputy, Pg Dato Paduka Hj Bahrom Pg Hj Bahar.

His Majesty entered the mausoleum where Pengiran Cheterias, Cabinet Ministers, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries, senior government officials and members of the Legislative Council awaited the monarch’s arrival.

The ceremony commenced in full royal tradition, with both the ‘Panglima Di-Raja’ and ‘Pewira Asgar’ donned in red ceremonial attire and standing guard outside the mausoleum’s entrance.

Panglima DiRaja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Rashid bin Hj Ibrahim carried the ‘Pemuras’ (large gun), which was held against his right shoulder and a ‘Karga’ (bullets) on his left. Standing beside him was Pewira Asgar Awang Haji Abdullah bin Unin, who carried the ‘Kelasak’ (shield) on his right hand and the ‘Kampilan’ (wide parang) on his left.

Meanwhile, other Adat Istiadat personnel dressed in customary black ‘baju melayu’ carried the ‘Perhiasan Tunggal’ and ‘Perhiasan Empat’ , which are royal regalia comprising ceremonial umbrellas, swords, spears and shields as a symbol of royal honour, peace, tranquillity and justice.

Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Haji Mohd Zain bin Haji Serudin then presented himself to His Majesty that the ceremony was ready to proceed. The tahlil prayers were led by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Awg Abd Aziz bin Juned.

His Majesty and members of the royal family took turns to pour the ‘Air Asah-Asahan’ (scented water) from the ‘Kabok’ (glass jars) onto the tombs of Al-Marhum Sultan Hj Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien and Al-Marhumah Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit, as well as other royal tombs.

Al-Marhum Sultan Hj Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien was the 28th Sultan of Brunei who ruled the Sultanate for 17 years from June 4, 1950 until his abdication from the throne on October 4, 1967 and passed away on September 7, 1986. Al-Marhumah Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit passed away on September 13, 1979.

At the grounds of the Royal Mausoleum, well-wishers gathered from as early as noon to catch a glimpse of their beloved monarch. - Borneo Bulletin (16 August 2013)