| James Kon |
SPIRIT of patriotism flew high at the heart of the capital yesterday as the giant national flag was hoisted to mark the beginning of the nationwide 70th birthday celebrations of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah complex’s open area.
Excitement filled the air as 70 flag-bearers comprising personnel from the Prisons Department and the Fire and Rescue Department marched into the ceremonial ground, accompanied by the drum beats of the Royal Brunei Police Force’s Brass Band.
Then, 20 personnel from the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), led by 1147 Lt (JG) Ahmad Nafees, marched into the ground where they received the giant national flag measuring 3.7m x 7.3m from guest of honour Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs, who is also the chairman of the national committee for His Majesty’s 70th birthday celebration.
Accompanied by the national anthem sung by a choir comprising staff members from Language and Literature Bureau, Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Municipal Department and Fire and Rescue Department, the RBN personnel successfully hoisted national flag.
The hoisting of the giant national flag marking the beginning of the nationwide 70th birthday celebrations of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah complex’s open area
Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs, presenting the national flag to Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim, Acting Brunei-Muara District Officer
A group photo of Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar with the flag bearers from Prisons Department. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI
The Minister of Home Affairs then distributed the national flags measuring 1.8m x 1.2m and posters for His Majesty’s 70th birthday celebration to four District Officers namely, Misle bin Haji Abdul Karim, Acting Brunei-Muara District Officer; Haji Haris bin Othman, Belait District Officer; Haji Adnan bin Haji Adam, Acting Tutong District Officer; and Mohd Amir Hairil bin Haji Mahmud, Acting Temburong District Officer.
The national flag hoisting ceremony also marks the beginning of flying the national flag at every household and residence. Residents and citizens of Brunei Darussalam are advised to fly the national flag throughout the month. Pengiran-Pengiran and individuals who have been bestowed with state titles are to fly their own personal flags.
Flying of the national flag nationwide during the period of His Majesty’s birthday celebration is hoped to raise awareness on the nation and strengthen the spirit of patriotism and love for the government and the monarchy. Therefore, mukim penghulus, village heads, all grassroots leaders, heads of families and youth leaders are reminded to carry out their responsibility as citizens to fly the national flag in government buildings, business premises, homes as well as on main streets.
Also attending yesterday’s auspicious ceremony were Haji Mohd ‘Abdoh bin Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Salam, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs in his capacity as the chairperson of the ceremony, officials from various ministries and invited guests.
Rosnani Ahmad, a choir member from BSB Municipal Department, said, “I felt honoured and privileged to be here singing the national anthem at the national flag hoisting ceremony for His Majesty’s birthday. It’s my first time participating, therefore it’s a very special moment for me.
“Happy birthday and long live the loving monarch who has always looked after the welfare and wellbeing of the people.”
The post Royal birthday celebrations begin appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.