THOUSANDS of uniformed personnel donned their ceremonial attire to attended a royal banquet hosted last night at a fully-packed Royal Banquet Hall of Istana Nurul Iman, marking His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 67th birthday.

The event has been an annual happening where guests from various security agencies, organisations and associations are feted regally at a royal banquet.

The guests, in essence, represented the future of today’s youth, the current crop of personnel that stands along the frontiers of defence, security, protection and law enforcement, as well as retired officers and veterans that had served and shaped the community and people for decades and generations.

Accompanying His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam were Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam as well as other members of the royal family.

The royal banquet for the uniformed personnel also signifies His Majesty’s appreciation towards their continuing efforts and dedication in promoting peace, security and stability in the country while achieving progress and development.

Prior to the royal banquet, a Doa Selamat was read by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

Following that, the uniformed personnel assembled and stood as His Majesty made his way to meet, greet and shake hands with them truly symbolising the warmth and appreciation of a caring monarch.

His Majesty was accompanied by HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

It was truly a perfect occasion for the thousands of uniformed personnel including the Sultan’s Flight, Brunei Scouts Association, Red Crescent, National Service Programme (PKBN), Fire and Rescue Department Cadets and others. - Borneo Bulletin (18 September 2013)