Giant national flag hoisted in capital

A GOVERNMENT official yesterday stressed the importance of honouring the national flag as a symbol of the Sultanate's existence and sovereignty as well as the identity, unity and solidarity of a nation.

Permanent Secretary Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid Hj Mohd Jaafar from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports said yesterday during the hoisting of the giant national flag in the capital that love for one's country could be demonstrated by waving the national flag.

"One way to translate a sense of pride and the majesty of a country is by flying the flag at the appropriate times, such as His Majesty's birthday celebrations and the National Day celebrations," he said.

"By flying the flag during His Majesty's birthday celebrations and the National Day celebrations, we make a statement that I as a citizen, am proud of my country Brunei Darussalam and loyal to the king."

He said that the fluttering of the national flag would be a symbol of the citizens' attachment to the country and king which should never fade or be blurred but will always stay fertile.

"InsyAllah, this year once again we have been given the strength to collectively express our love for our country by participating in ceremonies of the National Day celebrations, starting with the opener of the National Day celebrations the hoisting of the giant national flag of Brunei Darussalam ceremony."

Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid also said that the theme for this year's National Day, "My Country, Brunei Darussalam" which was the same as last year's, is a recognition that is not only to be recited vocally but to be expressed through actions as well.

He added that the flag represents ownership of the country; hence, being a citizen and a part of the country, the people are obliged to apply the appropriate level of respect and care for the nation's state.

He ensured that this year the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports would continue to raise awareness especially among primary schools with the introduction of the "Respect Our Flag" booklet, which will be distributed to primary schools throughout the Sultanate.

The booklets are aimed at educating the students on the concept as well as generating love for the country.

He hoped that their ideas, effort and time would be extended and well-received in this world and hereafter.

Present as the guest of honour yesterday was Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah, who handed over the giant flag to 19 Royal Brunei Navy officers tasked with hoisting it during the annual ceremony yesterday morning.

The giant flag measuring 12 feet by 24 feet was raised on a 110-foot pole located in front of the Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque as the national anthem, "Allah Peliharakan Sultan" was being played by the Royal Brunei Police Force band and sung by a choir of students from Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College, Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien College, Dato Ratna Hj Mohammad Jaapar Primary School and Seri Mulia Sarjana School.

The Brunei Times