His Majesty’s golden jubilee procession

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BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Golden Jubilee Procession marks the glorious history of 50 years of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s reign. The historic moment is a sharing of experiences between the people as well as becoming the main focus of foreigners as well as through the broad international media coverage in bringing the procession closer to them, brudirect.com reported.

The historic ceremony witnessed His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri in the procession around Bandar Seri Begawan on the Royal Carriage.

The resounding beats of the hadrah, enlivened the atmosphere of His Majesty and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri’s arrival. Five hundred combined participants from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Religious Affairs were involved in the hadrah performance.

More than 22 thousand students from 2 hundred and 16 education institutions from the Ministry of Educationm Ministry of Religious Affairs and private institutions, waved flags along the route from Istana Nurul Iman until the road in front of the Bandar Seri Begawan Fire Station. The involvement of the students comprising teenagers, in the celebration is a reflection of their love for the monarch.

His Majesty’s characteristic of being the People’s Monarch is difficult to be expressed in words, as His Majesty said in his titah earlier, that when the monarch is happy, hence the people too have a right to rejoice and when he is grateful, therefore the people should also be grateful. The joyousness of the celebration clearly shows the strong ties between the monarch and his subjects.

The cheerful atmosphere is visible here in the Fire and Rescue Station area in the capital, as the starting point of the Ceremonial Procession around Bandar Seri Begawan of this Grand Celebration. It is evident of the love and loyalty of the people towards the monarch and nation. Their involvement in this event enhances the noble values and nationalism towards a more glorious future and further enlivens the atmosphere of this historic occasion.

Soon upon arrival in front of the Bandar Seri Begawan Fire and Rescue Station, His Majesty and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri entered the Royal Carriage. Also present on the Royal Carriage were His Majesty’s sons and daughter, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah the Crown Prince ; His Royal Highness Prince Haji ‘Abdul ‘Azim; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah.

The Procession Ceremony around Bandar Seri Begawan which is full of tradition and customs was led by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Haji Alauddin bin Pengiran Paduka Tuan Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, Grand Chamberlain, followed by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Co-Chairperson of the Golden Jubilee Procession Sectoral Committee for the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, RBAF Band and the Royal Brunei Police Force Band, accompanied by 40 RBAF personnel carrying the royal regalia, Sinipit and Taming or Spear and Shield. The Changkah which is one of royal regalia followed behind the special vehicle protected by the Manteri-Manteri Hulubalang. Two Manteri Hulubalang walked in front of the Royal Carriage. One carried the Pemuras and Karga or Gun and Ammunition Bag, while the other held the Kalasak and Kampilan or Shield and Long Blade. Also accompanying the procession were the Commissioner of police and Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. Lined up on the left and right of the Royal Carriage were the 16 Royal Brunei Police Senior Superintendents and RBAF Commanders.

At the back of the Royal Carriage which was pulled by 50 RBAF personnel, were 16 RBAF personnel carrying the Pedang and Perisai or Swords and Round Shields with another 16 carrying the Tumbak Benderangan or Spears embellished with gold or silver bands. This was followed by the people carrying the perhiasan tunggal or personal regalia of His Majesty and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri, which was then followed by the special vehicle carrying the Gendang Arak-Arakan comprising of the Nakara, Gendang Labik, Agong, Canang and Serunai.

Also in the attendance at the procession ceremony according to order were Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s son, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim; Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Rabiatul Adawiyah;  and Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah;

His Majesty’s special guests, His Royal Highness Prince Edward Antony Richard Louis, The Earl of Wessex and Her Royal Highness Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah;  His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Bini Hajah Faezah;  His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Norhayati.

Also in attendance were Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah;  Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Norain; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al Islam; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Rakiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Nasibah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Jefriah.

Also accompanying the procession were some of the Co-Chairpersons of the Executive Committee for Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne together with two Pehin Manteri Ugama.

The glorious Malay customs and traditions especially in the Brunei Sultanate is clear evidence that even though Brunei Darussalam is now moving towards various development aspects, it still strongly maintains and holds on to the noble customs and traditions. The country’s capability to be at par with other countries is among the proof to the world community that the monarchical system continues to be relevant and suit the current era of globalisation.

The Islamic Malay Monarchical system that is still perpetual in the country is also a proof to the world that His Majesty is one of the world leaders who possess credibility and good example in prioritising global peace and well-being. His Majesty possesses far-sighted thinking, linking the old with the new, bringing changes and modernisation aside from preserving the Bruneian royal customs and traditions.

The historic event was also commemorated by some 17 thousand government officers and staff who participated in the celebration. As the government’s administration engine, their presence acts a catalyst of the spirit to continue to serve with excellence under His Majesty’s leadership.

A strong solidarity, close cooperation and concerted support from various agencies including the Mukim and Village Consultative Councils, Youth Associations, Women’s Associations, Mosque Takmir Councils, Professional Organisations, People With Special Needs and Senior Citizens in glorifying the celebration is evident of the culture of loyalty and respect to the monarch, as well as the love between the monarch and his subjects that is still strong in the hearts of the country’s people. The public holiday declared for today provided a better opportunity to together enliven the ceremony.

Other communities residing in the country also took the opportunity in together enlivening the celebration aside from witnessing the uniqueness and authenticity of the country’s royal traditions and customs. The historic celebration is not only the focus of local residents but also tourists visiting the country.

In this morning’s early hours, thousands of people from various levels of the community excitedly thronged the main thoroughfares. Quite a number of them were touched in being able to witness the Golden Jubilee celebration and at the same time, able to get a closer look at Their Majesties and other members of the Royal Family.

As an attentive Monarch with a heart for development, His Majesty gives serious attention in handling and updating the development policies pioneered by the Monarch’s late father, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, especially in carrying out the nation’s economic diversification projects and further developing resources with potential, among them tourism, small and medium enterprises and agriculture.

Due to His Majesty’s leadership and integrity, the citizens and residents in the country have enjoyed peace, prosperity, tranquillity and harmony. Various forms of development and progress in a multitude of aspects have been carried out, which are not only focused on urban areas and its surroundings, but also extending to rural areas and the interior.

The auspicious event will certainly become a sweet memory for the country’s citizens and residents and made into a historical record from one generation to the next. Their presence in enlivening the Golden Jubilee celebration is a clear proof of their solid support and loyalty towards His Majesty.

A number of the public also joined the joyous atmosphere by holding banners with the words “Bersama Mendukung Kedaulatan Raja, Agama, Bangsa dan Negara.” or “together upholding the Sovereignty of the Monarch, Religion, Nation and Country.”

Various forms of development, progress and reformations have been reached and enjoyed by the country throughout His Majesty’s reign, from the aspects of education, economy, health, political stability and Islamic values. The Sungai Kebun Connecting Bridge is among the country’s landmarks in infrastructural development. The bridge will be officially opened on the 14th of October in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee celebration. Its opening will certainly become an important history for the country, which will be further highlighted with the procession of ships and decorated floats as well as fireworks display.

A number of other main events have also been lined up to mark the Golden Jubilee. Among them is the opening of the Eco-corridor, as well as the junjung kasih and kesyukuran ceremony with the citizens and residents on the 22nd of October.

One of His Majesty’s biggest achievements since the monarch’s accession to the throne is leading Brunei Darussalam in achieving independence on the 1st of January 1984. Since then, the country has established diplomatic relations with 170 countries and has 43 envoys in friendly nations as well as regional and international organisations.

The uniqueness and speciality that is always with the citizens and residents is the noble nature of His Majesty, the people’s Monarch, who is attentive and caring towards his subject’s welfare and well-being. The get-together ceremonies with citizens and residents organised annually on His Majesty’s birthday further strengthens the ties between the monarch and the people.

His Majesty’s determination in taking care of and upholding the welfare and well-being of the people cannot be denied. An example of this is the housing facilities provided to the country’s citizens and residents through established schemes such as the housing construction loan scheme, the National Housing Scheme, the Landless Indigenous Citizens Housing Scheme and the Land title scheme, which until today still continues to run smoothly and enjoyed by those who have successfully participated in these schemes.

The golden jubilee celebration not only records a prominent history in the sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, but is also the focus of the world as a symbol of the monarchical institution’s strength in the country as this glorious occasion receives broad coverage by almost 100 journalists from overseas. Among them are from United Kingdom, Bahrain, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar and Cambodia.

The Golden Jubilee celebration of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne is deeply significant, and is a way for the country’s citizens and residents to appreciate the glorious history. The event not only looks elegant and attractive, but also carries a deeper meaning. This is in line with His Majesty’s desire to make the celebration as a mark in history. The history filled with pomp and pageantry will become an oral tradition for the coming generations.