THERE is something to smile about for 2,119 less fortunate and special needs individuals in the country, as they received a personal gift (Kurnia) from His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

The Kurnia is a cash gift given by His Majesty to his subjects to lessen their burden in conjunction to the upcoming month of Syawal. The Kurnia is for the Sultan’s subjects of all race and religion and it has been an annual tradition.

In the Tutong District, the personal gift was handed out by His Majesty the Sultan’s personal representative, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

Arriving at the Tutong District Civic Centre, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik was greeted by Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Awang Othman, the Minister of Home Affairs.

Among those present at the ceremony in Tutong include, the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman; Minister of Development, Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman; Minister of Communications, Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar and Deputy Minister of Defence Dato Paduka Awang Hj Mustappa bin Hj Sirat.

Prior to the Kurnia presentation, a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat was led by Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awang Yahya bin Hj Ibrahim, the Chief Judge of Syar’ie. - Borneo Bulletin (6 August 2013)