His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik yesterday flagged-off the Bandar Seri Begawan Go-Kart Race held to commemorate the 41st anniversary of the renaming of 'Bandar Brunei' to 'Bandar Seri Begawan.'

The day-long event saw karters competing in three categories: 'Novice,' 'Open' and the '125cc Rotax Max.' The heats and preliminary rounds were conducted in the morning, while the finals in each category were held in the afternoon.

On hand to greet HRH upon arrival for the afternoon grand finale were Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries and chairman of Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) Municipal Board.

HRH flagged off the final two races and also handed out prizes to the winners of the race.

Forty-nine karters competed in the three categories, racing down the 1.8km track along parts of Jalan Sultan and Jalan Mc Arthur.

The race was one of the joint social activities by the Ministry of Home Affairs and BSB Municipal Board in a move to create a lively and harmonious atmosphere in the capital centre, and at the same time, attract both locals and tourists.

The positive response generated will undoubtedly work towards increasing national harmony and unity.

The race, organised by the BSB Municipal Board and Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with the Brunei Darussalam Go-Kart Association, was conducted by Mentari Merah Construction Sdn Bhd.

To add to the celebration, several other activities were held simultaneously including the Stalwart (strong man) competition, 3R (Reduce, Reuse & Recycle) competition and exhibition, vintage automobile show, 3D helicopter display and race booths. - Borneo Bulletin (16th January 2012)