To Sultan with love
By Amie PDH Ishak & Malek Hashim

Over 60 associations and representatives of mukims and villages in the Brunei-Muara District presented His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam with pesambah to show their love and appreciation for the monarch during his 62nd birthday celebrations.

Among the gifts were: a replica of a pitcher plant made of 24-carat gold by the wives of penghulus and village heads; and a 63-kilogramme cake from the Indian Chamber of Commerce.

The most unique of items were a 100-year-old ancestral sword and an original lease for the Labu Estate in the Temburong District.

The sword and lease belonged to the family of Pengiran Haji Shahbudin bin Pengiran Anak Haji Maida of Mukim Kota Batu, and had been handed down from past generations.

The sword, which measured at four and a half feet in length, had carvings of the Ayat Kursi and doa inscribed on the blade, while the lease was the original copy from the time of the British rule in Brunei.

The items were presented to the Sultan on the wish of Pengiran Haji Shahbudin's father, Pengiran Anak Haji Maida.

Meanwhile, a delegation from Mukim Peramu, headed by its penghulu, Pengarah Awang Haji Ismit bin Pengarah Mukim Haji Naim, said their pesambah- a beautiful vase - was a token of their deepest gratitude for His Majesty's benevolent rule.

Indian Chamber of Commerce Chairman Nazeer Ahmad Zackariah presented the monarch with a majestic Italian ceramic vase, while Mukim Sungai Kebun presented a kaban kupar (traditional chest), handmade by Haji Mahruf bin Piut.

Mukim Berakas 'B' presented the Sultan with a replica of gasing, while Mukim Lumapas' pesambah was an exclusive baton made from 62 types of wood.

Other items included keris, decorative items and paintings. - Borneo Bulletin (21st July 2008)


close