HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday expressed his delight in meeting the citizens and residents of the Temburong District in the traditional get-together ceremony, the second its kind after the Tutong District last week.

The meet-the-subjects event was held to mark His Majesty’s 67th birthday.

As the people lined up to exchange greetings, the benevolent ruler said he was very happy to meet residents of the “Green Jewel” during a brief interview with a Bulletin reporter.

Many well-wishers also took photos with the monarch with their smartphones.

Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

Waving mini national flags, students lined the road leading to the Bangar Civic Centre to greet His Majesty who arrived in his helicopter at the nearby helipad.

His Majesty was earlier greeted on arrival by the Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, and other members of the executive committee.

The Acting Temburong District Officer, Haji Abd Hamid bin Dato Paduka Haji Abdullah, in his welcoming speech, said the happiness of the Temburong residents was depicted in the field performance which carried the theme “Raja Teladan Kepimpinan Negara” which was participated by over 360 youths comprising students, uniformed personnel and ethnic groups who took part in Tausyeh and Nasyid performances as well as sang royal celebration songs.

It portrayed the gratitude and loyalty of the people as well as love towards the monarch.

It was followed by the national-level final of the Tug-of-war Competition. In the heavyweight category, the Brunei-Muara District team defeated the Belait District team, making them eligible to represent the country in the Borneo Tug-of-war Tournament soon. The Brunei-Muara District team also clinched the lightweight title. His Majesty consented to present prizes to the winners.

The field performance carried the concept “Sejahtera Raja Berdaulat” with performances highlighting movements, patterns and colour-making in three segments with the final segment depicting the number 67 in Arabic and Roman numerals.

The get-together will continue in Belait District on September 28, 2013 and finally in the Brunei-Muara District on September 29, 2013. - Borneo Bulletin (27 September 2013)