BRUNEI-MUARA

OVER 1000 government personnel and private sectors were in attendance at the nationwide campaign on appreciating the waving of the flag to mark His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s belated 69th birthday celebrations held separately in the sultanate yesterday.

Present as the head of the congregants at the Masjid Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) in the capital was the Energy’s acting minister at PMO, Dato Paduka Hj Abdul Wahab Juned, and at Masjid Utama Mohammad Salleh in Pekan Bangar was the permanent secretary at PMO, Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Juanda Hj A Rashid.

Meanwhile, similar event at Masjid Hassanal Bolkiah in Tutong saw an attendance of permanent secretary for media and cabinet at PMO, Hj Md Rozan Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos and Permanent Secretary at PMO, Dato Paduka Hj Jamain Julaihi at the Muhammad Jamalul Alam Mosque in Belait.

All the events in different districts were started with the recitation of Quranic verses by undergraduate students from the Seri Begawan Religious Teachers University College (KUPU SB) and followed with special religious lecture on the significance of national flag.

The invited speakers from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Dr Haji Mohd Hussain Pehin Penyurat Hj Ahmad said that national flag is the symbol of strength and sovereignty of a country.

“Flags have been used since the prophetic times.

People during that time used it to show their strength as a well-built country that need to be respected.

“The sentiments of patriotism and nationalism could be achieved through our gratefulness and ways we value the national flag,” said Dr Hj Mohd  Hussain

“People during prophetic times hoist their flag as a way to show appreciation for their country,” said the speaker during the events,” he continued

These were also emphasised by speakers in similar event in Belait, Ustaz Hj Firdaus Orang Kaya Hj Nordin from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), in Tutong’s event Ustaz Dr Hj Hambali Hj Jaili from KUPU SB, as well as another invited speaker from KUPU SB, Dr Hj Noralizam Hj Aliakbar in Temburong’s event.

“Hoisting the national flag is one of the ways we share our affection towards our nation as well as a symbol of loyalty to the country and His Majesty,” said the speakers.

The speakers also highlighted the meaning of the words contained in the flag which translates to ‘Always render service with God’s guidance’.

They urged the public to do charitable works based on the ideology presented on the flag.

They also mentioned the etiquettes and manners on hoisting the national flag.

“It is important for everyone to remember that hoisting the flag must be conducted properly with respect such as making sure it is not upside down, must be clean and the poles used must above 10 feet.”

Chairman of the Belait campaign, Hj Dayang Hj Kassim stated that they are using the Islamic approach for the campaign this year. He added that Islamic teachings is synchronised with the public loyalty towards the country.

The chairman hopes that this approach will instil a stronger sense of nationalism into the public. However, he added that they are doing a different approach for this campaign every year to avoid being monotonous.

The ceremonies concluded with the recital of Ratib Al-Attas as well as doa for His Majesty’s welfare led by Imam from respective mosques.

The congregants were amongst officers and staffs under PMO, uniformed personnel, penghulu, head village as well as officers under private sectors. The event was held annually with the aim to raise awareness to people of the sultanate on their role and responsibilities in hoisting the national flag. In the programme provided by the hosted department, the acting director of Information Department, Mawardi Hj Mohammad said the information department had changed the format of the ceremony more to an MIB oriented speech. “We want people of the sultanate to be educated on the importance of national flag. We hoped it could instill a sense of nationalism as well as motivate them to raise and wave their flag,” said Mawardi. The hoisting of the giant flag ceremony was held on 1st August 1st at Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex in the capital.

The Brunei Times