The festive environment that the country will experience on His Majesty's 62nd birthday celebration will include various performances, activities and shows which reflect the uniqueness of the tradition and culture of the citizens and residents of this country including the presence of tourists. Opportunities such as this should be best used to showcase the uniqueness of the culture and lifestyles of the various Brunei ethnic communities.

This was the observation made by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, The Deputy Sultan, who is also the patron of the national committee for His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam 62nd birthday celebration, in his sabda at the 3rd National Committee meeting for His Majesty's 62nd birthday celebration at the Indera Kayangan Ballroom, Empire Hotel and Country Club yesterday.

"As with the events in the previous festivities, we are very proud with the participation of all walks of life in the country especially the involvement of students from schools and education institutions, youths, the private sector and non-government organisations, which illustrates the strong linkage of solidarity and understanding amongst the citizens and residents of our country as a manifestation of the overwhelming support and undivided loyalty for His Majesty. It is also a manifestation of the solidarity and unity between the government and citizens which is upheld accordingly in the implementation and success of all administrative proceedings and the national development projects in particular," the Deputy Sultan said.

"We also welcome and are also proud of the involvement of friendly nations in adding to the vibrance and diversity of the events in the celebrations, as a tribute and appreciation to the leadership of the well-respected king. It will obviously add to the uniqueness of the diplomatic relationship that His Majesty has established since the country achieved independence."

The Deputy Sultan went on to say that the tradition and spirit of being Bruneians that the people have embraced all this while should be upheld and enhanced to nurture as well as sustain the close and benevolent bond between the king and his subjects and residents in his country whilst adding value to the happiness and festivity of the event organised.

"The unity, cooperation and devoted support as well as the involvement of the private sector as well as the citizens and residents of this country is exemplified by the creation of the "Mercu Dirgahayu 60" at a strategic location in the centre of Bandar Seri Begawan in 2007 including a number of other permanent significant commemorative structures in the Tutong and Temburong Districts in conjunction with His Majesty's 60th Birthday," the Deputy Sultan said.

"As the patron of this national committee, I express my sincere appreciation and congratulations to all national committee members, district committees, members of the working committee for His Majesty's birthday festivities and to the private sector as well as citizens and residents of this country who have shown their spirit of dedication and solidarity in realising all previous events at the national and district levels which were conducted orderly and successfully as we had hoped for."

The meeting was chaired by Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan, Minister of Home Affairs, who is also the chairman of the National Committee of His Majesty's 62nd birthday celebration.

Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Chairman of the committee, YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Hj Abdul Aziz and the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Dewa Pahlawan Dato Paduka Awang Haji Dani bin Hj Ibrahim and YAM Pengiran Seri Wijaya Pg Hj Ahmad bin Pg Mohd Yusof.

Also in attendance were permanent secretaries, district officers, executive officers from the private sector and senior government officers.

The meeting began with the recital of Surah al-Fatihah and a doa selamat. This was followed by welcoming remarks from Pehin Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan. - Borneo Bulletin (23rd May 2008)