AS THE festive season draws closer, the joyful atmosphere being felt throughout the nation will also be shared equally by 14,650 underprivileged individuals across all districts that were all bestowed with personal gifts (Kurnia) with the consent of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

The personal gift which comes in the form of cash comes timely as the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration nears, bringing great meaning and joy to all the recipients comprising those with special needs, orphans, the poor, those facing financial hardships and those who receive monthly welfare assistance.

This was the fourth such ceremony, which clearly illustrated the generosity and concern of His Majesty for the plight of the underprivileged and His Majesty’s wish that they be given equal attention especially in terms of alleviating them from their hardship.

At the Istana Nurul Iman yesterday, personal representatives of His Majesty – HRH Prince Haji Al-Muthadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, HRH Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah and HRH Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah – presented His Majesty’s personal gifts to a total of 9,916 residents of the Brunei-Muara District.

Their Royal Highnesses were greeted on arrival at the Royal Reception Hall of the Istana Nurul Iman by the Minister of Education, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Hj Awang Abu Bakar bin Hj Apong; the Minister of Health, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohd Yusof; and Minister of Finance II at the Prime Minister’s Office, Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim.

The ceremony began with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and a Doa led by YB Pehin Datu Imam Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Hamid bin Bakal.

The cash gift is hoped to lessen the burden of the recipients and bring more joy to them. Yesterday’s ceremony reflected His Majesty’s continuous care and concern for the well-being and welfare of his subjects and residents of Brunei Darussalam, especially those who are in need.

For Maimunah Haji Kula, an unemployed housewife whose husband has been in a coma for years after suffering from stroke, she told the Bulletin that the cash gift will help alleviate their burden during the festivities.

“To lose a breadwinner in my family is a very hard thing to endure but thanks to His Majesty’s generosity, at least we are now able to buy necessities and celebrate Hari Raya with our family members,” she added.

Meanwhile, a single mother of three orphaned children, Norliha bte Hj Besar related the hardship of being a single mother and said she and her children are grateful for the gift from His Majesty.

“Thank you for the generosity and care towards the people and with this gift, I can buy new clothes for my children and other necessities so they can celebrate Hari Raya like any other children out there,” she said. - Borneo Bulletin (6 August 2013)