HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and members of the royal family yesterday ushered in the Year of the Horse with the local Chinese community at the much-anticipated 2014 Chinese New Year get-together held at the International Convention Centre.

Also present were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah and YAM Pengiran Bini Hajah Faizah binti Dato Haji Nasir, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam and other members of the royal family.

Upon arrival, Their Majesties and the royal family were greeted by YB Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin, Pehin Bendahari Cina Dato Paduka Onn Siew Siong, Dato Paduka Lim Beng Thai as well as the chairperson of the organising committee, Jackson Ting and Ang Swee Chuan.

Following a group picture and the airing of the national anthem, His Majesty received a pesambah with the design of a horse to symbolise the Year of the Horse in the Chinese astrology.

To enliven the celebration, Their Majesties and the royal family were treated to a thrilling hour of cultural performances by Chung Hwa Middle School, Bandar Seri Begawan.

Following the performances, His Majesty and Her Majesty greeted the young performers.

The monarch then exchanged greetings with more than 1,000 guests.

The main exhibition, “The Evolution of Chinese Wedding”, was one of the highlights of the ceremony. His Majesty and Her Majesty took a closer look at the many Chinese wedding customs on display.

This is the eight year that His Majesty and the royal family have joined the Chinese New Year get-together, showing the monarch’s love and care for all his subjects who are from different cultural backgrounds. - Borneo Bulletin (4 March 2014)