BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Brunei Darussalam’s 42nd National Day celebrations officially commenced Saturday (Feb 14) with the hoisting of the giant national flag at the open area of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex in the capital.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Seri Setia Awang Nazmi Mohamad, as co-chairman of the Executive Committee for the 42nd National Day Celebration, attended as the guest of honour.
Also present were deputy co-chairmen of the executive committee, Members of the Legislative Council, permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, district officers as well as members of the executive and other committees involved in organising the celebration.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Allah Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam.
Members of the Royal Brunei Navy and the Flag Bearers comprising cadets from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Police Force, Fire and Rescue Department and alumni of the National Service Programme then marched in for the handover and receipt of the giant national flag from the guest of honour.
The hoisting of the flag was accompanied by the singing of the national anthem, Allah Peliharakan Sultan, performed by a 42-member choir from Berakas Secondary School with accompaniment from the Royal Brunei Police Force band.
A total of 42 participants recited the National Day pledge led by Senior Counsellor at the Public Service Department, Prime Minister’s Office Awang Amir Shukri Zawawi, followed by three chants of ‘Allahuakbar’.
The ceremony was further enlivened by patriotic songs Berkibarlah Bendera and Bersatu Mencapai Cita Negara, accompanied by the waving of miniature flags by 142 students from Sekolah Tinggi Arab Hassanal Bolkiah, Sekolah Ugama Arab Menengah Perempuan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association and Girl Guides Association of Brunei Darussalam.
The hoisting of the flag by members of the Royal Brunei Navy.
Medium-sized national flags and National Day posters were also presented to district officers for distribution in all four districts.
With the hoisting of the giant national flag, the public is encouraged to fly the national flag at homes, offices and business premises, and to install decorative lights at government and private sector buildings beginning Feb 14 until Feb 25.
Waving of miniature flags.
Pengiran-pengirans will fly their personal standards, title holders will display their respective flags, while the public is to fly the national flag in accordance with established regulations, ensuring the flags are in good condition and not faded or torn. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
