His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 63rd birthday celebrations meeting was held for the third time yesterday, and HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, who is also the Benefactor of the celebration committee, attended the meeting.

In a speech, His Royal Highness urged the nation to continue the spirit of cooperation, unity and helping one another, which should always be strengthened and practised as these qualities had been inherited for generations to ensure the survival of the people and nation based on the Malay Islamic Monarchy concept.

"I am confident that with the hard work and cooperation that has been shown by the National Committee members, District-level Celebrations Committee, relevant Working Committees and all involved, every programme that has been planned, be it at the national level or the districts, will be in order, perfect and successful," said His Royal Highness.

He also said that the joy of the festivity would be enjoyed not only by the citizens and residents living in the country, but also by the tourists visiting the country.

"The celebration is an event that has always been anti-cipated by every level of community in the country as it is also a time to show gratitude to Allah SWT for bestowing a king and leader who has guided and brought about changes towards progress and the nation's development and ensuring the citizens' welfare is given the main attention, aside from maintaining the nation's core values," HRH added.

The meeting was chaired by Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Md Yusof, who is also the chairman of His Majesty's 63rd birthday celebrations.

Among the agendas discussed at the meeting included examining the latest report related to the performance format preparations and the arrangement for His Majesty's visit to the four districts.

The meeting also discussed the Majlis Ilmu or Convention for Knowledge in conjunction with His Majesty's 63rd birthday celebrations.

Also present were the President of the Royal Customs and Traditions and Deputy Chairman of the meeting, Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar; Pehin Orang Kaya Dewa Pahlawan Dato Paduka Awang Haji Dani bin Haji Ibrahim, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Deputy Chairman of the meeting; Grand Chamberlain, YAM Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Haji Alauddin bin Pengiran Paduka Tuan Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar; and YAM Pengiran Seri Wijaya Pengiran Haji Ahmad bin Pengiran Mohd Yusof.

Other officials - Permanent Secretary and Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, and members of the celebrations committee - were also present at the meeting. - Borneo Bulletin (20th May 2009)