High spirits were evident yesterday in the normally quiet oil district of Belait as thousands flocked to the Padang Bandaran, Kuala Belait, for a personal meeting with the ruler of Brunei Darussalam.

From as early as 6.30am, people from all walks of life, dressed in colourful outfits, staked out their spots and waited for the appearance of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

At 10am, His Majesty arrived at the royal dais, accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen.

On hand to receive His Majesty and members of the royal family was Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs, who is also the Chairman of the National Executive Committee for His Majesty's 70th birthday celebrations.

The national anthem was then played, followed by three loud cheers of "Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik", led by the grassroots community of the district.

In his speech, Awang Haji Haris bin Othman, the Belait District Officer, expressed thanks to Allah the Almighty for the presence of His Majesty and members of the royal family among the residents of the Belait District.

Shortly afterwards, a colourful lineup of performances, based around the theme of 'Raja Tersohor, Negara Makmur, Rakyat Bersyukur' (Exalted Ruler, Prosperous Nation, Grateful Citizens), lifted the spirits of those present at the event.

The main highlight of the day was a tour of the field by His Majesty.

Accompanied by the Belait District Officer, the monarch led the members of the royal family around the arena, to personally greet the people who stood waiting in light rain to present His Majesty with an assortment of pesambah.

At the end of the tour, His Majesty and the members of the royal family visited the official residence of the Belait District Officer for a royal luncheon.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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