AS THE month comes to an end, the nationwide birthday celebrations for His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 68th birthday officially concluded yesterday with the lowering of the giant national flag in the vicinity of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah building across the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital.

The guest of honour was Senior Assistant Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara, Pengiran Seri Wijaya Pengiran Haji Ahmad bin Pengiran Mohd Yusof, in his capacity as a member of the National Committee of His Majesty’s 68th birthday celebrations.

Upon the arrival of the guest of honour and other guests, the ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah before a band of 68 officers from the Prisons Department and Fire and Rescue Department marched into the area surrounding the giant flag pole.

This was succeeded by the flag-waving team’s patriotic entrance supported by the Royal Brunei Police Force band, readied with their stance for the official lowering of the giant national flag.

Patriotic silence filled the air as the team gradually lowered the national flag, synchronised with the harmonious sounds of the national anthem.

The national flag was then handed over by the Marching Chief of the Royal Brunei Navy to the guest of honour.

A doa selamat was read straight after, thus concluding the month-long royal birthday celebrations.

Also present were Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, in his capacity as the Co-Chairperson of the ceremony, committee members of the ceremony, heads of department as well deputy heads of departments under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), penghulus and village heads from the Brunei-Muara District as well as senior officers and officers from the MoHA. - Borneo Bulletin (1 September 2014)