A giant-sized national flag hoisting ceremony was held at the open area of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex, Bandar Seri Begawan yesterday to mark the beginning of Brunei Darussalam’s 40th National Day celebration.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad as Co-Chairman of the 40th National Day Celebration Executive Committee was the guest of honour.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat by Begawan Mudim Haji Amran bin Haji Md Salleh.
The ceremony saw the Royal Brunei Navy and flag-bearers from the Army Cadet, Police Cadet, Fire and Rescue Cadet as well as National Service Programme (PKBN) Alumni, marching in to receive the giant-sized national flag from the minister.
The ceremony concluded with the singing of the national anthem by Seri Mulia Sarjana School’s choir comprising 40 students, accompanied by the Royal Brunei Police Band.
The ceremony also saw the performance of two patriotic songs Ikrar Kemerdekaan and Berkibarlah Bendera as well as the waving of small flags by 100 students from Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Arabic School, Rimba and Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha Girls Arabic Religious Secondary School, Katok.
This was followed by the presentation of medium-sized national flags and posters by Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi to Acting Brunei-Muara District Officer Pengiran Muhammad Ameer Mubaarak bin Pengiran Haji Hashim, Acting Belait District Officer Haji Amirol Hafidzin bin Haji Muhammad, Acting Tutong District Officer Mohammad Sofian bin Haji Basri and Acting Temburong District Officer Mohamad Yassin bin Haji Ahmed.
Co-chairmen, deputy co-chairmen of the 40th National Day Celebration Executive Committee, Legislative Council members, permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, district officers and members of the 40th National Day Celebration Executive Committee as well as other committee members were also present.
With the hoisting of the giant-sized national flag, Brunei citizens and residents are required to hoist the national flag at home, as well as offices and business buildings and to install decorative lights at government and private sector buildings until February 25.
Pengiran-Pengiran and individuals conferred with titles are required to hoist their personal flags.
The hoisted flags must adhere to the stipulated rules and procedures and be in proper condition. – James Kon
