The hoisting of the national flag was yesterday witnessed in the Tutong District as the Sultanate prepares for the upcoming celebration of the monarch's 62nd birthday.

Held at Tamu and Pasarneka in Tutong, the ceremony saw Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Development Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mohd Said bin Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Setia Dato Paduka Haji Hashim as the guest of honour.

The ceremony opened with a march past comprising members of the Red Crescent Association, Girl Guides Association, Tutong Scouts, Police Cadet, Army Cadet and Prisons Marching Band, who were led by Assistant Tutong District Officer Haji Muhd Suffian bin Haji Bungsu.

The 4WD Association and KEKAL Motorcycle Association also participated in the ceremony.

Later, the guest of honour handed over the national flag to the Royal Brunei Police Force, which was then hoisted by Tutong Police Station Assistant Superintendent Inspector Haji Asyran bin Haji Awang Tengah.

Personnel from various departments and government offices as well as youths from the Tutong District took on the role as choir members for the day, belting out the national anthem as well as 'Dirgahayu' and 'Sultan Payung Mahkota.'

The day also saw the guest of honour handing over the official national flags to the heads of mukims.

Also present at the ceremony were Brunei Legislative Council member Orang Kaya Jaya Putera Awang Haji Muhammad Taha bin Abd Rauf and various village heads. - Borneo Bulletin (2nd July 2008)