Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Awards Title Promotion and Confers Letters of Commission
Brunei Darussalam – In a significant cultural and traditional ceremony, 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, has bestowed a title promotion to one Manteri Hulubalang and conferred Letters of Commission of Manteri Hulubalang to five individuals. The ceremonies, known as Istiadat Pengisytiharan Kenaikan Pangkat Gelaran and Istiadat Mengurniakan Tauliah Manteri Hulubalang, were held at the Surau of Istana Nurul Iman. His Majesty’s son, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, attended as His Majesty’s Personal Representative, greeted upon arrival by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris.
According to Radio Television Brunei, His Royal Highness was led to the ceremony by Hulubalang Diraja, bearing ceremonial items including the Pemuras and Karga, and Hulubalang Asgar carrying the Kelasak and Kampilan. The ceremony began with the Title Promotion Conferment for Juru Laki Awang Haji Johan Areffen, announced by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Adanan. The proclamation of the title promotion was read by Begawan Mudim Awang Haji Mat Salleh bin Haji Damit. The role of Ketua Juru Laki, as conferred, involves arranging and safeguarding the propriety of the Naubat and its ceremonial beats, including overseeing the setup of ceremonies related to the Naubat and Gendang Jaga-Jaga Diraja.
Following this, the Conferment of Letters of Commission of Manteri Hulubalang to five individuals commenced. Each recipient was accompanied by a high-ranking official and an Awang-Awang bearing the Gangsa Sireh. The ceremonies included the placement of the Gangsa Sireh on the recipients by Hulubalang Asgar Awang Ahmad bin Haji Masri and Pengarah Awang Haji Kilali bin Haji Abd Rahman. The recipients of the Letters of Commission were Awang Haji Roslan bin Haji Asmat, Awang Murni bin Majid, Awang Halidin bin Bujeh, Awang Nor’ Ariffin bin Haji Tunjang, and Awang Haji Jaini bin Metarsad, each with specific duties and responsibilities outlined during the ceremony.
Doa selamat, a prayer for wellbeing, was recited at different stages of the ceremony by various religious figures, including Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Haji Awang Hamidon and Yang Dimuliakan Begawan Pehin Khatib Dato Paduka Awang Haji Matassan. The ceremony concluded with Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan confirming the successful completion of the Istiadat Pengisytiharan Kenaikan Pangkat Gelaran and Istiadat Mengurniakan Tauliah Manteri Hulubalang.
These ceremonies reflect the deep-rooted Malay cultural values and traditions in Brunei Darussalam, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to preserving its heritage and national identity.