THE national flag of Brunei Darussalam which embodies the colours yellow, white, black and red became the centre of attention yesterday as the nation united to raise the national flag to mark the start of the celebrations for His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 68th birthday.

Belait District also took part in this festivity by hoisting the national flag in a ceremony held at the Cendera Kenangan Promenade, Jln Sungai in Kuala Belait.

The guest of honour was Awang Haji Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos, the Permanent Secretary (Media & Cabinet) of the Prime Minister’s Office.

The event began with the arrival of the convoy bearing the national flag which comprised members from the Belait District’s Adventurer Association and the Scooter Team, led by Haji Haris bin Othman, the Belait District Officer.

As a way to enliven the event, the convoy embarked from the Sungai Liang Fire Station through strategic routes with the Cendera Kenangan Promenade as the destination.

At the Cendera Kenangan Promenade, the convoy was welcomed by flag bearers which comprised 68 police personnel and military cadets so as to emphasise on the number ‘68’ in conjunction with the monarch’s 68th birthday.

Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat were recited upon the arrival of the flag bearers, which was led by Awang Hj Haslan bin Hj Shahbuddin, Mosque Affairs Officer of Belait District.

The Belait District Officer presented the giant national flag to the guest of honour, who then presented it to the Royal Brunei Police Force based in Kuala Belait.

Following tradition, the national flag was hoisted accompanied by the singing of the national anthem led by the choir team of Anthony Abell College, Seria. This was followed with the singing of “Bendera Negara” and “Rahmat”.

The guest of honour then handed over the national flags to the penghulus of mukims to be raised at their respective mukims as a symbol of loyalty to His Majesty.

Also present at the event were members of the Legislative Council; heads of department; school principals, heads of companies, members of the Consultative Councils for Mukims and villages in the Belait District; as well as representatives of various associations. - Borneo Bulletin (2 August 2014)