(Bandar Seri Begawan, 13th) Under the command of His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei issued a special announcement on Tuesday (January 13) via radio and television, announcing that His Majesty will undergo a scheduled medical procedure at Jerudong Medical Centre on January 18.
The Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Defence, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja (Retd) Major General Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi, noted in the announcement that this medical procedure was prearranged. Subsequently, the Minister of Health, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham explained that His Majesty will undergo a total right knee replacement surgery to restore knee joint function, enhance mobility, and contribute to His Majesty’s overall comfort and health.
He said the surgery will be performed by Professor Andrew Freiberg, an American orthopaedic specialist experienced in joint replacement and reconstruction surgery.
To pray for a successful surgery, a series of blessing events will be held nationwide in Brunei. The first event will take place on the evening of January 15, with blessing ceremonies at mosques, prayer halls, and religious halls across the country. These include hajat prayers, recitation of Surah Yasin, and special prayers. The main venue will be at Ash-Shaliheen Mosque, Kampong Kiulap. In Belait District, the main venue is Mohammad Jamalul Alam Mosque; in Tutong District, it is Tutong Town Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque; and in Temburong District, the venue will be at Utama Mohammad Salleh Mosque in Bangar Town.
In addition, on January 16 (Friday) before the congregational prayer, there will be hajat prayers and special prayers; from January 16 to 18, all mosques, prayer halls, and religious halls will perform special prayers nationwide after each of the five daily prayers.
There will also be a special blessing event for educational institutions on January 19 (Monday), with participation from Arabic schools, religious schools, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Tahfiz Al-Quran Institute, and students from government and private primary schools. Activities will include hajat prayers, recital of Surah Yasin, and special prayers.
Minister Haji Halbi stated that during treatment and recovery, His Majesty will moderately reduce his attendance at national and official events but will continue to fulfill his duties. The Prime Minister’s Office and relevant agencies will update the public on His Majesty’s health condition from time to time, and call upon all citizens to pray for His Majesty, wishing that by the grace of Allah the surgery will go smoothly, for a speedy recovery, good health, and lasting well-being for His Majesty.