HIGH committee members for the 67th Birthday Celebration of His Majesty in the Tutong District yesterday held their second meeting for the upcoming events in the district.

Festive events for the royal birthday celebration this year were postponed to September from July as a mark of respect to the holy month of Ramadhan. Eleven festive events have been arranged, according to the Tutong District Office. These include a night market and evening performances, sports competition, and various community-level activities and religious events.

The chairman of the meeting, the Tutong District Officer Awg Wardi bin Haji Mohd Ali, congratulated the high committee members on their appointment for this year’s celebration.

He hoped they will give their best efforts in the spirit of ‘Muafakat’ (teamwork) to ensure a smooth and memorable celebration.

Awg Wardi also reiterated the matters raised in a sabda of HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the PMO last June 15, as the Patron of the National Level Committee for HM Birthday.

It included, matters concerning festive events that should not contrast with the Bruneian culture and Islam. The Crown Prince also hoped committees will continue to provide cooperation and commitment to prepare early to ensure the smooth running of the respective events.

HRH also hoped the events will involve all citizens and layers of society and community, including students, youth associations, civil organisations, departments, agencies and the mukim and village councils.

The sabda also stressed on the importance of organising events that are holistic to inject a patriotic spirit among the people, besides enlivening the festive season.

HRH also welcomed any new form, or way, in organising or managing festive events.

Awg Wardi reiterated the changes in the use of His Majesty’s photo, which should be replaced with a logo of His Majesty’s birthday celebration and the use of ‘Ayat Doa’ (prayers) on billboard, banners and His Majesty’s birthday congratulatory advertisements. - Borneo Bulletin (2 August 2013)