COLOURFUL fireworks projected towards the clear Sultanate skies last night to form a lining of fine imagery, marking the celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 67th birthday.

Thousands of invited guests, comprising state dignitaries, Cabinet Ministers, foreign diplomats, high ranking government officials as well as specially- invited guests, attended the customary royal banquet in His Majesty’s honour at the Royal Banquet Hall of Istana Nurul Iman last night.

Accompanying His Majesty were Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; YAM Pengiran Bini Hjh Faizah binti Dato Haji Nasir; HRH Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; YAM Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Norhayati; HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik; HRH Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.

Also in attendance were HRH Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah; HRH Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah; HRH Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah; HRH Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah; HRH Princess Hajah Masna; HRH Princess Hajah Nor’ain; HRH Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam as well as other members of the royal family.

Prior to the royal banquet, a Doa Selamat was recited by the State Mufti, Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Awg Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

Among the foreign dignitaries present were Singapore’s Secretary-General Mr Lim Swee Say and Indonesia’s State Secretary, Lieutenant General (Rtd) Sudi Silalahi. - Borneo Bulletin (16 September 2013)