The Sultan trying out a long wooden blowpipe during the event. - BB
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network): Temburong District hosted a get-together ceremony to mark Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's 77th birthday celebration on Thursday (July 27).
Thousands of residents gathered on the field at Community Hall Complex in Pekan Bangar to welcome the monarch.
The monarch was greeted on arrival by Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Ahmaddin Abdul Rahman as Chairman of the National Committee for His Majesty’s 77th birthday celebration.
The sultan and members of the royal family were welcomed with the singing of national anthem and field performances by over 200 school students.
The performances were themed ‘Raja Untuk Rakyat dan Rakyat untuk Raja’, which revolved around the concept of ‘Serumpun Berbudaya, Sejalin Berbangsa, Memertabat Raja’.
The theme highlighted the ties between the benevolent ruler and the people as well as the caring monarch providing facilities and support for the development of the nation.
It also showed the people’s gratefulness and readiness to implement the national development plan.
The performances, with people from different ethnic groups in the district, depicted unity, harmony and the firm relations between His Majesty and the people.
The different ethnicities and communities – Brunei Malay, Malay Kedayan, Murut, Iban and Chinese – highlighted the diversity of culture and traditions ready to uphold the sovereignty of the ruler and the nation.
Three shouts of ‘Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik’ echoed in the area followed by the monarch mingling with participants and residents.
The event concluded with His Majesty going to the Community Hall Complex for the recitation of Doa Selamat and a luncheon.
A participant from the Iban community, Nyza Veronica, said they showcased an ethnic dance and joget.
“Rehearsals were held for five days, not including private practices at home,” said the Kampong Selapon resident.
The event also saw the longest woven mat in Brunei measuring 77 feet and one inch made by Temburong residents.
One of the weavers, Nursyazwani Farhanah Mohd Yassin, said the traditional mat used mengkuang leaves under the instruction of Kampong Sibut Longhouse residents.
“The longest mat took two months involving four youth members. Traditional mats are also for sale at BND20-30,” said the RPN Kampong Rataie resident.
The series of get-togethers will continue this Sunday at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien in the Brunei-Muara District.
