Brunei's Local News - Brudirect.com

Bandar Seri Begawan - The doors to Istana Nurul Iman were opened for the second day yesterday allowing more members of the public to celebrate Hari Raya with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Brunei Darussalam.

The gathering saw the presence of Bruneians, tourists, foreign workers, uniformed officers and some senior officers from both government and private. The palatial residence was adorned with Raya decorations of bright colours and the aromatic smell of Malay cuisine that was meticulously prepared by palace personnel.

The guests helped themselves to a grand feast of mouthwatering dishes that called upon traditional Raya cuisine such as beef rendang and freshly fried chicken as well as oriental dishes that were lined up in a buffet-style setting.

A 41-year-old civil servant, who opted for anonymity, dining at the VIP section, said that he

enjoyed the food and the delicious treats that were served.

He took pride in the fact that he had the opportunity to greet His Majesty every year when the palace was open for the public during the festive season. "It is not everyday that you get to shake hands with the head of the state. Brunei is the only country in the world that is unique like that," said the civil servant.

He also said that he enjoyed the experience and looks forward to what next year brings.

Two years ago, when His Majesty turned 60, special treatment was given to those with special needs as well as the warga emas or senior citizens in the country. Hjh Timbang Duraman, who came with her daughter and grand-daughter, was among the senior citizens who were present at the palace yesterday.

Hjh Timbang who possesses a child-like quality was more than happy to talk about her Raya experiences at the palace. "Not much has changed since decades ago, I find it wonderful and exciting because the atmosphere here is infectious, everybody is so happy," she said.

Hjh Timbang has been a regular since they introduced the priority section for senior citizens and expressed her gratitude for it because she can now visit every year to greet His Majesty.

She also explained that the reason she visits every year is because it is a tradition and that it is one way of showing her loyalty and allegiance to the monarch.

Syahmi Ahmad, 13, who goes to the palace every year with his family, said that he has always enjoyed meeting the monarch and is thankful for the wonderful food that was prepared for the guests as well as the complimentary giveaways.

A mother of five who did not want to be named, always brings her kids and family to the istana every year.

She said that she wants her children to keep up with the family tradition as she has been going since she was a child.

"I want my children to keep on going because I want them to take their children as well as it's a part of my family's tradition. We must be thankful to His Majesty for all he has done for us in the country and this is one way of saying thank you," she said.

Janice Foo, a 37-year-old mother who was smiling as she walked out of the greeting hall with her daughter, said: "It was like meeting the superstars although I've never really met any superstars before."

"My sister and her family are also here to join us and it's always fun that way," said Janice, who hailed from Kuala Belait.

"Every year, there's always something special. Maybe it's the food or the decorations but right now I can't really decide what it is because I'm still excited from meeting the Royal Family," she said with hilarity.

Her five-year-old daughter, Esther, was all smiles as she skipped out of the greeting hall with her mother.

It was also the highlight of the day for 24-year-old Hanafi Hj Malik from Tutong who was at first reluctant to visit the palace. "I was dragged by my friends to come here but I have to admit that it's such a worthwhile visit even though the waiting was rather lengthy.

"The food is great, the people are beautiful and the surrounding is fantastic," said Hanafi.

Personnel from Public Works Department (JKR) who wished to remain anonymous makes it a point to greet the Royal Family every year as he works at the palace and felt that it was part of his duty.

He was only too happy to show off his souvenir box which is covered in velvet, chrysanthemum yellow and filled with goodies.

"It is different and unique," he said, because in the past years, the souvenir boxes were in the form of yellow plastic containers with carvings at the side and there are some who makes it a point to collect the boxes.

There were a total of 42,149 people at the palace to meet and greet His Majesty yesterday. Out of the total 19,336 attended the morning session while 22,813 in the afternoon.

Alongside the monarch was HRH Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik, HRH Prince 'Abdul Mateen and other members of the Royal Family.

On the other side of the greeting hall, the women were greeted by Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, HRH Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar and HRH Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah.

Also present were HRH Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, His Majesty's daughters and sisters. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times