Brunei sultan to mark 40th anniversary of coronation

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei (AFP) — One of the world's longest-reigning monarchs, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, marks the 40th anniversary of his coronation on Friday.

But there was no sign that formal celebrations were planned for the occasion, a government spokesman said.

"There is no indication so far," he told AFP.

Hassanal, 62, was formally crowned on August 1, 1968 after ascending the throne on October 5, 1967.

The 40th anniversary of his ascension was commemorated in a low-key manner which included religious celebrations.

Hassanal is prime minister, defence minister, finance minister and head of Islam in the Malay Muslim absolute monarchy, which dates back to the 14th century.

The youthful-looking, goateed sultan rules over...