RESIDENTS of the Brunei-Muara District cheered with joy and happiness as yesterday was their turn to celebrate the get-together ceremony with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

The grand finale was held at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien in the capital.

The get-together ceremony has a significant meaning for all Brunei citizens especially in expressing their love to their benevolent ruler.

This annual tradition which highlights the strong bond between the monarch and his subjects saw the participation of people, thousands of them from all walks of life, streaming in as early as 6am, gearing up for the event which reflected the solidarity, love and unity among the communities in recognising the leadership of His Majesty.

Yesterday, people regardless of their background and status gathered in thousands just for the opportunity to meet and greet His Majesty.

The ceremony, thus, undoubtedly gave people an opportunity to interact and take pictures or mostly ‘selfies’ with the monarch.

It also provided them with some exciting stories to be shared among family members, friends and relatives.

Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Salim bin Pengiran Haji Wahid, the President of the Association of Retired Royal Brunei Police Force (POLSARA) shared with the Bulletin that the occasion was very significant especially in strengthening the social bond between His Majesty and his subjects.

He also added that the ceremony also served as platform to celebrate the nation’s solidarity and integrity.

“As citizens of our beloved country, we must always be grateful and thankful for what has been provided for us by the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam especially in terms of social and economic development.

“At the same time, the association will always support His Majesty for the recent implementation of the Syariah Penal Code Order 2013.

“Apart from that, POLSARA members will always pray for His Majesty’s long life, health and happiness,” he said.

For Staff Sergeant (Rtd) Haji Omar bin Serudin, the chairman for Ex-Soldiers Association of Brunei Darussalam (PBP) for Brunei-Muara District, every year members of the association gather at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien to participate in the get-together ceremony.

“Under His Majesty’s leadership, the country has progressed socially and economically in so many ways. The excellent leadership quality that His Majesty portrays is not only adored by the nation but also commended by the world. Alhamdulillah, from time to time, under His Majesty’s leadership we are able to enjoy new development initiatives such as the opportunity in elevating our nation to have a higher standard of living and at the same time not neglecting those who are underprivileged,” he said.

Meanwhile, Haji Wan Yali bin Haji Wan Derus, the Deputy of PBP for Brunei-Muara District also shared the same sentiments.

He said that the generation be it young or old must appreciate this get-together ceremony.

Apart from getting the opportunity to personally meet and greet His Majesty, the event also served as a platform for the people to convey their thanks and express their love to the kind-hearted monarch.

He added that the get-together ceremony is a symbol of love shown by the monarch to his people and vice-versa. This tradition should be continued as part of strengthening the love and loyalty between the people and the ruler. - Borneo Bulletin (25 August 2014)