Sultan Attends Parade As Brunei Marks Royal Birthday

Bandar Seri Begawan – Thousands joined His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei at the ceremonial guard of honour which marked the start of his 58th birthday celebrations yesterday at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien in the capital.

His Majesty's guests from friendly nations attended the ceremony at the auspicious moment.

At the parade, His Majesty received the royal salute whilst the traditional 21-gun salute echoed simultaneously in the air. He then inspected the parade.

With His Majesty were His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah.

More than 700 personnel of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, the Royal Brunei Police Force, uniformed departments and voluntary organisations took part in the parade.

The occasion climaxed with fly pass by helicopters and aircrafts of the Royal Brunei Air Force.

This morning's ceremony signaled the start of various programmes to mark His Majesty's month-long birthday celebration. Each district has arranged its own special events, which include cultural, religious, sports and stage shows.

The parade would be followed by the audience and investiture ceremony where His Majesty would accord recognition to outstanding people with meritorious titles and awards at the Istana Nurul Iman.

Preparations got into full swing in all the four districts beginning last night with the mass Maghrib and lsya prayers, Tahlil reading and thanksgiving to express gratitude to Allah the Almighty for showering blessings on the monarch and the country.

The nation prayed for Allah's mercy and to bestow more blessings on the ruler to remain in good health and to continue to rule in a fair manner with Allah's guidance.

His Majesty himself joined his loyal subjects during the mass congregation that took place at the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah in Kg Kiulap.

Also in attendance was His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Pg Muda Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, HRH Prince Abdul Azim, HRH Prince Abdul Malik and HRH Prince Abdul Mateen.

His Majesty will also address the nation in a much-awaited royal titah from the palace's Throne Room. A state banquet will be held in the evening followed by a display of fireworks.

Other events that are also equally awaited would be the traditional get-together ceremonies between the monarch and his subjects. The first event will be held in the Belait District Saturday, July 17, at the Brunei Shell Recreation Club (BSRC).

The ceremony carries the theme 'Intan Di Daerah Gemilang-Negara Terbilang'.

At the get-together, the residents in the respective districts will have the opportunity to pay their respects and convey their greetings to His Majesty.

The Brunei/Muara District will get its turn on Sunday, July 18, at the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre. The theme for the meet-the-subject session is "Mesra Bersama Rakyat".

Similar sessions will be held on Tuesday, July 20, in the Temburong District at the Civic Centre carrying the theme "Budaya Warisan Titipan Bangsa". Lastly, the get-together in the Tutong District will be on July 22 at the Muda Hashim Primary School field. The theme there will be "Raja Terbilang Negara Gemilang".

A float procession, cultural display, Borneo tug-of-war and fireworks will be held on Saturday evening, August 7, at the Taman in the capital.

Besides these, there will be other religious functions, entertainment and cultural shows to be staged every night as well as sports events, social and community activities.

Meanwhile, dazzling streetlights and decorative arches illuminate major roads in all the four districts while nightly stalls will commence tonight.

For the Brunei/Muara District, two places are selected, namely the Silver Jubilee Park and opposite the Royal Regalia building. In Temburong, it will be at the Taman Peraya'an, Civic Centre in Tutong and Tudong Saji in An Setia Diraja in Belait.

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