A thousand thanks 'Your Majesty'
By Liza Mohd & Aziz Idris

Despite the blistering heat, His Majesty yesterday fulfilled the relentless wish for photo opportunities, shaking the hands of a thousand well-wishers and received humble invitations from Kg Panaga housing recipients to make the ruler's visit a memorable beginning for homeowners who will be welcoming the fasting month in their new homes.

Borneo Bulletin reporter Aziz Idris managed to ask the ruler his kind advice for the people in the sultanate as Muslims usher in the Ramadhan month tomorrow with the moon sighting scheduled today.

His Majesty during the visit to Penghulu Mukim Kuala Belait's residence in Kuala Belait commented that people should "work hard," indicating that the population should offer the same work productivity despite the fasting month.

When the Sunday Bulletin proceeded to ask his views on the presentation of keys to housing recipients, the benevolent monarch responded, "the people should be happy."

Staying true to his words, 812 recipients rejoiced after yesterday's key presentation.

Fully aware that His Majesty is scheduled to visit five houses within the Kg Panaga housing site after the event, most recipients staying nearby rushed to invite the ruler into their homes to meet their families.

Some of the houses were not fully furnished but according to a recipient, His Majesty's presence in the house already gives him a wonderful sense of 'completeness'.

His Majesty yesterday received 'junjung ziarah' from over 30 housing recipients who led the monarch into their homes, all within walking distance.

The programme which were timed to end at 1pm was delayed for over two hours due to the impromptu visits.

This reflects the ruler's concern for his subjects, as he patiently listened to complaints and concerns expressed by the recipients.

His Majesty also showed no signs of exhaustion despite presenting award certificates to a record-breaking 812 recipients in the morning. With the successful presentation of keys yesterday and July 12 previously, 1,462 housing recipients are now set to move into new homes and begin a new journey with their families, particularly for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitiri celebration. - Borneo Bulletin (31st July 2011)


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