BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Saturday, 15 July 2023 – The whole nation celebrated His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 77th birthday that started with a Grand Parade at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien in the heart of the capital.
His Majesty’s arrival at the Royal Dais at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien was greeted with the Royal Salute followed by the National Anthem “Allah Peliharakan Sultan” orchestrated by the bands of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF). A customary 21-gun salute was then fired in honour of His Majesty’s birthday.
His Majesty was joined by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness 920 Major (U) Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah to witness the birthday parade.
Right at the centre of the field of Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, the Royal Guard of Honour, mounted by personnel from the RBAF, RBPF and members of uniformed government departments and associations stood at attention with pride and discipline as His Majesty made his round of inspection.
The Grand Parade was commanded by 568 Lieutenant Colonel Md Fakaruddin Zuraidie bin Haji Ramli and showcased both RBAF and RBPF men and women, performing slow and quick march passes. The Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) was represented with a total of 189 men and women who were divided into 2 RBN Contingents and the Women’s RBAF Contingent. RBN Contingent commanders were Lieutenant Commander Pg Muhd Saifullah Abdul Azim bin Pg Abdullah, RBN, Lieutenant Qurratu’aini Qayyimah binti Al Zelzy, RBN and Lieutenant Mohd Ikhwan bin Hj Junaidi, RBN. This was supplemented by Lieutenant Junior Grade Muhd Nabil bin Hj Suhaimi, RBN and Lieutenant Junior Grade Mohd Raffi bin Hj Asnan, RBN who carried the Royal Ensign and the RBN Ensign.
At its closing, the parade contingents let out three cheers of ‘Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik’, followed by a fly-past of Royal Brunei Air Force Blackhawk helicopters.
