​The day becomes a historic moment for Brunei Darussalam in conjunction with 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's 77th Birthday Celebration, filled with tradition and ceremony. The highlight of the celebration was the Grand Parade at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien and the Audience and Investiture Ceremony, at Balai Singgahsana Indera Buana, Istana Nurul Iman. In a titah at the Audience and Investiture Ceremony, His Majesty consented to the implementation of the National Retirement Scheme, SPK on the 15th of July 2023. The scheme's implementation, His Majesty stresses, not only aims to strengthen the well-being of the members during retirement, but the scheme will also provide better retirement income. His Majesty in the titah also highlights the various efforts of the government towards strengthening the lives and well-being of residents and citizens. Among them, efforts to introduce minimum wage across all industry sectors for private sector employees, to reduce the unemployment rate and efforts to diversify the economy through 'Foreign Direct Investment'. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 77th Birthday Celebration began with the Grand Parade. His Majesty graced the ceremony.

Upon arriving, His Majesty was greeted by miniature Brunei Darussalam flags proudly waved by school students and beating of the hadrah. Shortly after arrival, His Majesty consented to receive the Royal Salute. At the same time, 21 cannon shots echoed in the air, to the accompaniment of the National Anthem.

Also attending the ceremony were His Majesty's sons and brothers,

-  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 Haji Sufri Bolkiah;

- And His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.

The tradition filled ceremony was also attended by His Majesty's special guests, among them,

- His Excellency Ong Ye Kung, 'Minister for Health of The Republic of Singapore' as representative of the Republic of Singapore and wife, Madam Kuik Sin Leng;

- Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji bin Haji Noor, Chief Minister of Sabah and wife, Yang Amat Berbahagia Datin Seri Panglima Hajah Juliah Salag;

- and, His Excellency General Chalermphon Sisawad, Chief of Defence Force, Royal Thai Armed Forces and wife, Mrs. Budsakorn Sisawad.

His Majesty then inspected the Guard of Honour mounted by one thousand two hundred and thirty three personnel under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Fakruddin Zuraide Bin Haji Ramli. They comprise personnel from the Royal Brunei Land Force, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force, the Royal Brunei Police Force, government departments as well as uniformed public organisations.

The combined Royal Brunei Armed Forces and Royal Brunei Police Force Bands accompanied the march past in slow and fast pace in front of the Royal Dais. Three cheers of 'Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik' resounded in the air, representing a pledge of undivided loyalty to the monarch. The culmination of the Ceremony was the fly-past by the Royal Brunei Air Force helicopters.

Source:
RTB NEWS

by RTB NEWS

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