BERAKAS, Tuesday 31 July 2007 - His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Supreme Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Her Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar had consented to attend a royal banquet to commemorate His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 61st birthday at the at International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas. The royal banquet was hosted by the Royal Brunei Armed Forces on Tuesday evening of 31 July 2007.

The arrival of His Majesty and Her Majesties were greeted by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, Commander of the RBAF, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof and also Senior Officers of the Ministry of Defence and RBAF.

Present at the banquet were His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, The Crown Prince, General RBAF, Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Sarah and other Royal family members.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was then introduced to the RBAF new Officers and Non-Commissioned Senior Officers. His Majesty' then consented to cut his 61st Birthday and received a 'Pesambah' from RBAF officers and other ranks. The 'Pesambah' comprised of a Pen Holder (Pemegang Pena) made of malachite stone covered with gold and silver in which symbolizes His Majesty's wisdom as being a righteous and protecting ruler to his people with the blessing of Allah the Al-Mighty.

Among the presentations and performances lined up at the royal birthday banquet were a Nasyid and Tausyeh performance by the RBAF personnel.

Prior to departure, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar; His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and Her Royal Highness Pengiran Anak Isteri Sarah also consented to received a "Junjung Ziarah" by the Minsitry of Defence and RBAF senior officers, officers and other ranks, together with their spouses. A total of 1,261 personnel and their spouses were in attendance during this function.

Before leaving the venue, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to sign the royal parchment in commemoration of His Majesty's gracing the royal banquet.