Azlan Othman

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam attended the Chinese New Year celebration 2020 organised by the local Chinese community at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas yesterday.

Also in attendance 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 binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.

Also present were His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam and other members of the royal family.

Upon arrival, Their Majesties and members of the royal family were welcomed by Honorary Advisor to the organising committee for the Chinese New Year celebration 2020 Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin; member of the Legislative Council and Honorary Chairperson Yang Berhormat Ong Tiong Oh; and other prominent members of the Chinese community.

Their Majesties and members of the royal family joined a group photo session with the organising committee.

The event began with Mo Li Hua (Jasmine Flower) traditional dance by Chung Hua Middle School Kuala Belait students.

It showcased western and eastern culture.

Studio Elevé ballet dancers performed a classical ballet music participated by Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah binti Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah. A group of children also showcased Chinese dance.

The Wushu contingent who excelled in the recent Southeast Asian Games 2019 in the Philippines with one gold medal, three silver and two bronze also demonstrated their skills.

The participants were Mohd Adi Salihin bin Roslan, Basma Lachkar, Majdurano Joel bin Majallah Sain, Mohd Safiee Shayeran bin Roslan and Hosea Wong Zheng Yu.

The cultural troupe from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports showcased the diverse ethnic communities in the country through a dance performance portraying the harmonious way of life.

Chung Hua Middle School Kuala Belait students also performed a combination of east and west culture through Silk Road of the past.

Their Majesties and other members of the royal family exchanged greetings with the Chinese community and posed for photos.