His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam this morning underscored the importance of mutual trust between the king and the people.
I am grateful to Allah SWT to be able to celebrate my golden jubilee in peaceful and harmonious circumstances, His Majesty said during a royal audience at Istana Nurul Iman. “Today is a historic day for myself and all the citizens and residents of this country.”
Addressing the royal family, cabinet ministers and senior government officials at the palace this morning, His Majesty said that a king must understand the difficulties of his people, and the people, in turn, should empathise with the heavy burden of a king.
“The bond between the king and the people is inseparable… The obligation of the king is to the people, and the obligation of the people is to pledge their loyalty to the king.”
“This is the reciprocal relationship for the well-being of all. The king and the people together hold this great trust,” he said. “This is one of the pillars of life in our country, which has existed for the past 600 years — let us preserve this for years to come.”
The sultan went on to say that the bond between the king and the people of Brunei could not be severed.
“My history is also the history of our people and our country, because the king cannot break ties with the people and the country — I firmly share my history with them. That’s why this celebration is shared between myself and the people.”
His Majesty also thanked the committee for the golden jubilee celebrations, saying their efforts had not gone unnoticed, and was appreciated by all citizens within the country and abroad.
“On behalf of myself and my government, I pray that Allah SWT will bestow grace upon you all.”