Retired auditor Joseph F K Hiew, 60, spent his time yesterday like every other day. "I did nothing much today except for washing my car and practising my music."

He added: All I can say is that this year is very different than it was in the previous years, since there used to be morning parades and an evening banquet."

Foreign electrician Saravanan commented that there is "nothing much" to experience for His Majesty's birthday this year. "There is nothing special this year. It seems like life continues as normal for everyone such as staying at home, hanging out with friends and so on."

Planning to drive around town on this festive day, a 54-year-old known as Tan said that he appreciates the beautiful lighting decorations that were set up around the country but added that "the celebrations used to be more elaborate in the past, with stage shows, parades and we can also see bustling crowds at the night stalls."

Despite being a public holiday, many foreign workers for private companies and businesses were still expected to show up at work yesterday.

Dinesh Makhija said that the shop he now works in is usually closed on His Majesty's birthday. "My boss, however, decided to keep the business open at the last minute," said the 25-year-old shop assistant.

Foreign worker Chayan Ghosh commented that holidays should be granted to all employees on this special day. "There are not many public holidays in a year, so giving us time off would be ideal so that we can spend more time with our companions at the beach or somewhere else," argued the 34-year-old.

He added: "This year's lightings are also quite disappointing, especially the lack of decorations observed in the Beribi area, given that this is the time that everyone has anticipated to enjoy the beautiful scenery."

The managers of Gadong's Pizza Hut outlet, Jean and Reagan also think that this year's celebration is "rather plain".

"There used to be fireworks, shows and so on," said Jean. Commenting on the lighting decorations, she added that they are "not as fantastic as compared to previous years".

Celebrating His Majesty's birthday in Brunei for the first time, Reagan cited his disappointment at not being able to witness the glorious celebrations yesterday. "I heard that the events are not cancelled, but postponed. I still look forward to experiencing the festivities soon," said the young manager.

-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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