Brunei Darussalam officially launched its 41st National Day celebrations with the hoisting of the giant national flag in a ceremony held at the open area of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex in the capital on Saturday.
Minister of Development and Acting Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, officiated the event in his capacity as Co-Chairman of the Executive Committee for the National Day celebrations.
The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Co-Chairmen of the Executive Committee, Legislative Council members, senior government officials, district officers, and other committee members.
The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat led by Begawan Mudim Awang Haji Amran bin Haji Md Salleh from the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.
This was followed by a grand procession featuring personnel from the Royal Brunei Navy, cadets from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Police Force, Fire and Rescue, and National Service Programme alumni. The procession culminated in the official handing over of the national flag by the guest of honor.
As the flag was raised, the national anthem, Allah Peliharakan Sultan, was performed by the Seri Mulia Sarjana School choir, accompanied by the Royal Brunei Police Band. The event also featured patriotic songs Berkibarlah Bendera and Bersatu Mencapai Cita Negara, with students from Arabic Preparatory School Bandar Seri Begawan, the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association, and the Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam waving miniature flags.
To further commemorate the occasion, medium-sized national flags and posters were distributed to district officers of all four districts.
In conjunction with the National Day celebrations, citizens and residents are required to hoist the national flag at their homes, offices, and business premises, as well as install decorative lights on government and private buildings from February 15 to February 25, 2025. Pengiran-Pengiran and titled individuals are expected to raise their respective personal flags, while the general public is encouraged to display the Brunei Darussalam national flag. All flags must adhere to the stipulated guidelines and remain in good condition throughout the period.
The hoisting of the giant national flag serves as a symbolic start to the country’s annual celebration, fostering unity and patriotism among the people of Brunei Darussalam. – James Kon
