Royalty graces CNY get-together
By James Kon
February 7, 2006 | Borneo Buletin

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam

His Majesty and other members of the royal family being greeted by the Chinese community and students of Chung Hwa Middle School upon arrival

His Majesty taking a closer look at one of the wushu swords

HRH the Crown Prince and HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah at the event

HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah trying one of the wushu swords

His Majesty and other members of the royal family witnessing a Lion Dance performance at the ceremony. Photos by Rudolf Portillo and Haji Md Said Arshad

His Majesty, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and HRH Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah in a group photo with the Chinese community during the CNY celebration at ICC

Heads of the Chinese community taking the oath in front of His Majesty and other members of the royal family

Students from the Chung Hwa Middle School in a colourful dance performance

It was a historical moment as His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the first time, joined the local Chinese community for a morning of celebration in ushering the Chinese New Year at a get-together ceremony held at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.

Yesterday's Chinese New Year celebration was also attended by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah.

Besides witnessing the reading of an oath by representatives of the Chinese community, the ruler also was entertained by dance and Lion Dance performances presented by the students from Chung Hwa Middle School.

After the performances, His Majesty and the royal entourage consented to tour exhibition booths. Among the exhibitors were Sunlit Advertising, Aifa Sdn Bhd, Court Furniture, Hua Ho, Chung Hwa Middle School, Brunei China Friendship Association, Chung Hwa Middle School Alumni Association and others.

His Majesty's presence at the Chinese New Year get-together ceremony had shown the closeness between the ruler and the local Chinese community.

Currently, Chinese make up around 11 per cent of Brunei Darussalam's population.