BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

BRUNEI marked the end of 68th birthday celebrations of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam following the lowering of the giant national flag at the open area of the Yayasan Shopping Complex in the capital yesterday.

A total of 68 flag-bearers – consisting of members of the Fire and Rescue Department, and the Prisons Department – marched into the flag pole area.

The marching of Royal Brunei Navy personnel into the space ensued, followed by the singing of the national anthem by a choir group (made up of members of the Language and Literature Bureau, Municipal Department and the Fire and Rescue Department), accompanied by the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) band.

The flag, which measures at 12 by 24 feet, was then lowered and handed over by the navy to Senior Assistant to Chief of Adat Istiadat, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Seri Wijaya Pg Hj Ahmad Pg Mohd Yusof, as the guest of honour.

Also present at the flag-lowering ceremony yesterday were Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Halbi Hj Mohd Yussof (who also served as chairman of the committee), RBAF Commander Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Pahlawan Mohd Tawih Abdullah, Acting Brunei-Muara District Officer Md Sunadi Hj Buntar and Temburong District Officer Hj Abd Hamid Dato Paduka Hj Abdullah.

The districts of Belait, Tutong and Temburong also held flag-lowering ceremonies yesterday. Belait saw the handover of the flag by the RBPF to Belait District Officer Hj Haris Othman at Taman Persiaran Cendera Kenangan in Kuala Belait.

In Tutong, the flag-lowering was held at the Community Hall Complex area, where the flag was handed over by RBPF personnel to Tutong District Officer Wardi Hj Mohd Ali. Receiving the flag in Temburong was Acting Assistant Temburong District Officer Azizul Azri Hj Majit.

The giant national flag was hoisted throughout the month in the capital, beginning from August 1.With the lowering of the flag, the public are required to ensure all flags are lowered accordingly at places including homes, government and private buildings, as well as commercial premises.

The Brunei Times