His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to attend a tahlil for His Majesty's late parents, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien and Al-Marhumah Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit at the Royal Mausoleum in the capital.

Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Hj Awang Mohd Zain, and Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Badaruddin greeted His Majesty and the royal entourage upon arrival.

Accompanying His Majesty were the His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Hj 'Abdul 'Azim, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen.

The event began with the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah followed by the tahlil, led by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Dr Ustaz Hj Awg Abd Aziz Juned.

His Majesty then poured scented water into the mausoleums of both His Majesty's late parents, as well as other late royal family members, and was followed by the rest of the royal entourage.

His Majesty's father, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien passed away on September 7, 1986, while His Majesty's mother Al-Marhumah Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit passed away on September 13, 1979.

Also present at the ceremony were YAM Pengiran Cheterias, Cabinet ministers, Pengiran Peranakans, Legislative Council members, deputy ministers, Manteri Pedalamans, permanent secretaries as well as other government officers. - Borneo Bulletin (25th September 2009)