Hoisting of giant national flag
By P Marilyn

The National Committee for the 63rd birthday celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday held a flag hoisting ceremony at the open area of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah to mark the commencement of His Majesty's upcoming birthday celebrations.

The guest of honour was Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awg Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awg Haji Mohd Yusof, the Minister of Home Affairs cum Advisor to the Giant Flag Hoisting ceremony committee in conjunction with His Majesty's 63rd birthday celebration.

Also present were the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs cum Chairperson of the Giant Flag Hoisting ceremony committee, Pehin Orang Kaya Dewa Pahlawan Dato Paduka Awg Haji Dani bin Haji Ibrahim as well as the national committee members, permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, head of departments, deputy head of departments, penghulus and head of villages.

The event began with 63 personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department and the Prison Department carrying the national flag to the ground where the hoisting of the national flag was to be held.

This was followed by personnel from the Royal Brunei Navy and the Royal Brunei Police Force band.

The handover of the giant national flag to be hoisted was then officiated by the guest of honour.

As the flag was being hoisted, Brunei's National Anthem was sung by a choir, comprising 63 officials from the Language and Literature Bureau, Brunei-Muara District Office, Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department and the Fire and Rescue Department, accompanied by the Royal Brunei Police Force Band.

This was followed with the singing of the 'Lagu Bendera Negara' or National Flag Anthem and other patriotic songs.

The Minister of Home Affairs then handed the national flags size 6ft x 12ft to the four District Officers to be used in flag hoisting ceremonies in their respective districts - Brunei-Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong.

The giant national flag sized 12ft x 24ft that was being hoisted will be flown until July 31.

From July 1 to 31, members of the public are required to hoist their national flags while pengiran-pengiran and those who are bestowed with titles are required to hoist their personal flags.

The hoisting of the country's national flag throughout the country in conjunction with His Majesty's 63rd birthday celebrations will arouse a sense of patriotism and love for the monarch and country.

As the citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam, the hoisting of the national flag, be it at buildings or residences, is an opportunity for people to show their commitment, patriotism, loyalty and support towards the celebration of His Majesty's 63rd birthday. - Borneo Bulletin (2nd July 2009)


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