BRUNEI officially started His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s belated 69th celebrations following yesterday’s hoisting of the giant national flag. The raising of the flag outside the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex saw the participation of 69 flag-bearers from the Fire and Rescue Department and Prisons Department. The flag-bearers were accompanied by the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) Band who marched in the open area between Masjid Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien and the Yayasan Shopping Complex.
Officers from the Royal Brunei Navy then presented the giant flag to Minister of Home Affairs Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Awg Othman.
The national flag was handed back to the navy personnel who unfolded the 12 by 24 foot flag and hoisted it on the 110-foot pole. The flag was then slowly raised to the tune of national anthem played by the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) band and sung by a choir.
The 69 choir members from the Language and Literature Bureau, Municipal Department, Fire and Rescue Department proceeded to sing patriotic songs such as Bendera Negara (national flag) and Rahmat (blessings). Before concluding the ceremony, the home affairs minister distributed the flags and posters to four district officers in the country - Acting Brunei-Muara District Officer Misle Hj Abd Karim, Belait District Officer Hj Haris Othman, Tutong District Officer Wardi Hj Mohd Ali and Temburong District Officer Hj Abd Hamid Dato Paduka Hj Abdullah. The flag will remain hoisted until August 31, 2015. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Chief Choir Coordinator Siti Afsah Hj Abd Kadir said the patriotic spirit was getting stronger as the years pass.
“I’ve been working as chief choir coordinator for more than 10 years and have seen improvements over the years.
“People are showing more patriotism, everything’s livelier than before,” she added.
Siti Afsah urged Brunei residents to hoist the flags to enliven His Majesty’s birthday celebrations.
Chief Commissioner of Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam (PPPBD) Hjh Siti Hafsah Hj Abdul Halim said it is important to participate in such events.
“It is our duty as citizens of His Majesty to participate in flag-raising events to show our loyalty to the country and our ruler.
“I have participated in flag-raising events for several years and I see that more children want to participate to enliven the event and the patriotism is getting stronger,” she continued.
The chief commissioner also wished His Majesty a happy 69th birthday on behalf of the association. Officials called on members of the public to hoist flags outside their homes, offices and private buildings to show their patriotism and love for His Majesty and the country. His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, had declared August 15 a special holiday to celebrate His Majesty’s belated 69th birthday. During the special holiday, a customary parade will take place at Taman Hj Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien while the investiture ceremony will be held at Istana Nurul Iman.