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, yesterday consented to grace the first get-together of retired military officers with His Majesty in conjunction with the monarch's 70th birthday celebration.

The ceremony took place at the Royal Berkshire Hall of the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club in Jerudong.

Upon arrival at the venue, His Majesty was greeted by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Ibnu Ba'asith bin Pengiran Datu Penghulu Pengiran Haji Apong as the Patron of the Executive Organising Committee; Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Mohammad bin Haji Daud, Deputy Patron; and Pehin Datu Harimau Padang Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Husin bin Ahmad, Chairman.

After a brief mingling session at the Chesney Lobby and signing of the Royal Parchment, His Majesty was ushered to the Royal Berkshire Hall for a cake-cutting ceremony marking His Majesty's 70th birthday, accompanied by the, recitation of Selawat by all present to wish His Majesty long life and followed by the presentation of special pesembahs to His Majesty.

The ceremony then proceeded with a mass recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Kesyukuran led by Major (Rtd) Haji Ibrahim bin Ahmad after which Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Ibnu Ba'asith delivered the Sembah Alu-Aluan.

The Chairman of the Executive Organising Committee extended gratitude and birthday greetings to His Majesty on behalf of the former military officers present at the ceremony.

The monarch also consented to the Junjung Ziarah by invited guests and former military officers shortly after Santap.

The ceremony concluded with a group photo session of the former officers aged above 70 years with His Majesty.

Yesterday's ceremony was a first-ofits-kind event organised for the former military officers to extend their gratitude and appreciation for the welfare bestowed on them by His Majesty and to express their undivided loyalty towards the monarch who is also the Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

Apart from celebrating His Majesty's 70th birthday, the event also provided an opportunity for the retired military personnel to strengthen ties among themselves.

Also present at the ceremony were former military officers Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Yang Berhormat Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports and First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit, Deputy Minister of Defence.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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