Brunei’s green jewel Temburong District recently celebrated His Majesty the Sultan’s 76th birthday celebration in harmonious musical and theatrical performances, kick-starting the royal meet and greet out of the four districts.
The beautiful event was graced by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
The monarch was 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 ‘Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah.
Upon arrival at the district’s helipad at Bangar Town, the monarch and the royal family were greeted by Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Haji Ahmaddin Haji Abdul Rahman and other senior officials.
Hundreds of primary and secondary school students gathered by the roadside leading to the Community Hall Complex field waving miniature national flags while chanting ‘Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik’ as the royal motorcade passed by, leading His Majesty’s vehicle.
Temburong District was brought to life with colourful and lively skits and performances by the youths, students and volunteers.
The district’s performance theme this year was ‘Raja Untuk Rakyat dan Rakyat Untuk Raja’ highlighting the relationship between the king and his people which is always mutually supportive of one another.
The theme also emphasises that the caring ruler continues to provide various facilities and support for the people for the development and progress of the country.
Moreover, the Temburong meet and greet performance concept was ‘Raja Bestari, Inspirasi Rakyat’ depicting the sovereignty and personality of His Majesty.
The concept also reflects the pledge of loyalty and love from citizens and residents because of the monarch’s constant care and concern for the well-being of his people and the country.
It is acknowledged by the people that His Majesty’s exceptional success is the initiator of inspiration, innovation, exploration and competitiveness of the common people as well as strengthening the spirit of unity and fight of the people to realise the country’s Vision 2035.
Nearly 300 field performers presented a 14-minute musical theatre consisting of students and youth volunteers with music supported by the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) band.
Included in the musical performances were Brunei’s traditional songs, ‘Kikik Serbang Merah’, ‘Cok kerapang’, ‘Cabuk-Cabuk Bertali Rambai’, ‘Pak Saloi’ and ‘Temburong Bisai’.
For the grand finale, the performers did a silat performance with the song ‘Mukun Sanjungan Kasih’.
One of the district’s meet and greet highlights was the longest braided Kelupis (steamed glutinous rice) creating a new record in Brunei Books of Record.
The Kelupis is one of Brunei’s traditional delicacies made using glutinous rice that is steamed and wrapped in nyirik and lamba leaves.
The braided glutinous rice which took 15 days to assemble scored a measurement of 221.43 metres, totalling 7676 pieces tied together.
The monarch then also consented to a meet and interact with the performers as well as the public where they had the chance to personally convey their greetings and took photos with the beloved king.
THE BRUNEIAN | TEMBURONG
