BY Adib Noor, Izah Azahari & Daniel Lim

Brunei Darussalam’s national giant-sized flag was officially lowered during a ceremony to conclude the 76th birthday celebration of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, in the capital on Sunday.

The ceremony held at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex’s open area was officiated by Deputy Minister of the Department of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Matsatejo bin Sokiaw.

Royal Brunei Navy personnel lowered the giant-sized national flag.

Members of the National Committee for His Majesty’s 76th birthday celebration comprising permanent secretaries, deputy permanent secretaries, heads of departments, as well as senior officials from the public and private sector witnessed the event.

Similar flag-lowering ceremonies were held across the Sultanate.

In the Belait District, it was held at the Menara Cendera Kenangan, attended by Acting Belait District Officer Mohamad Yassin bin Haji Ahmed.

Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) personnel lowered the national flag after the singing of national anthem and recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah. The flag was handed over to the Acting Belait District Officer.

Meanwhile, Acting Tutong District Officer Ajmin bin Haji Meludin attended the flag-lowering ceremony for Tutong District at the Civic Centre Complex.

Kampong Layong Mosque Imam Nurisyraf bin Fazri led the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat during the event.

In the Temburong District, the national flag was lowered at the Dermaga Pekan Bangar, joined by Acting Temburong District Officer Pengiran Muhammad Ameer Mubaarak bin Pengiran Haji Hashim as the guest of honour.

Kampong Labu Estate Mosque Imam Khairulamirin Fitri bin Haji Samsudin led the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat.

The lowering of the national flag on Sundaymarked the end of flag-flying at public and private premises, including residences.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin