SULTANATE

 

Royal banquet for nation’s dedicated uniformed personnel
Izah Azahari

HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha consented to host a royal banquet last night for thousands of uniformed personnel in conjunction with His Majesty’s 68th birthday celebration at the Istana Nurul Iman.

Accompanying Their Majesties were 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, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, 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, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam as well as other members of the royal family.

The royal banquet is an annual event where guests from various security agencies, organi-sations and associations are feted. The guests, in essence, represented the future of today’s youth, the current crop of personnel that stand along the frontiers of defence, security, protection and law enforcement, as well as retired officers and veterans who had served and shaped the community for decades.

The royal banquet for the uniformed personnel also signified His Majesty’s appreciation for 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 as His Majesty made his way to greet and shake hands with them, symbolising the warmth and appreciation of a caring monarch. His Majesty was accompanied by HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.

It was a truly cherished occasion for the thousands of uniformed personnel, including His Majesty Sultan’s Flight, Brunei Scouts Association, Red Crescent, National Service Programme (PKBN), Fire and Rescue Department cadets and others. - Borneo Bulletin (17 August 2014)


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