The national committee members for His Majesty’s birthday celebration were reminded of last year’s titah that called for the celebration to be held in a prudent manner without burdening the people.
Last year, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, in his titah, strongly criticised the reasons behind organising donation pooling practised previously in order to celebrate His Majesty’s annual birthday celebration.

Yesterday, during the second national committee meeting for His Majesty the Sultan’s upcoming 64th birthday, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Adanan, Minister of Home Affairs, while chairing the meeting, began with a welcoming remark, where he said that the committee hoped to be able to properly organise the special annual celebration and to make it as lively as possible.

“… And what is more important, in our effort to involve the whole population to participate in whatever events that will be arranged, whether on national level or district level, it must among others involve the participation of students from both public and private education institutions, associations, NGOs, private sectors and also the Mukim and Village Consultative Councils and any other groups that exist in the country,” Pehin Adanan said.

However, he once again reiterated to the committee members to take note of His Majesty the Sultan’s titah for any events that are to take place must be held in a prudent manner with wise spending that would not burden the people.

The meeting was held at the Lapau Banquet Hall in the capital. The first meeting was held on February 12, 2010 at the same place.

The meeting was attended by the Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara, YAM Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz bin Pengiran Jaya Negara Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar and YAM Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Haji Alauddin bin Pengiran Paduka Tuan Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, the Grand Chamberlain.

Also in attendance, among others were Pehin Dato Paduka Awang Haji Dani bin Haji Ibrahim, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, and also permanent secretaries, district officers and senior officers at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Among the agendas discussed at the meeting were the many events to be organised during the celebration, including its preparation and format. It also touched on the construction and display of decorations and equipment, the special committee for banners and issues related to it including the vertical banner and other matters.

The dates for mass maghrib and isyak obligatory prayers to be held at the mosques in conjunction with the celebration will be held on July 14 as it has been traditionally held over the years. The focal point for the mass prayers will be at the Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque.

The ceremonial parade on July 15, which falls on Thursday, will be held at 10am at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, BSB.

The National Flag Hoisting Ceremony in conjunction with the 64th birthday celebration, meanwhile, will be held on Thursday, July 1, followed by the hoisting of the official flags throughout the four districts, at government buildings, private or commercial buildings as well as individual homes.

The minister also reminded the committee members that this year’s celebration would have to accommodate a number of Islamic celebrations, including the Israk Mikraj on Saturday, July 10 and the first day of Ramadhan, which falls on Wednesday, August 11.

During the meeting, he also asked committee members that any other planned celebrations in conjunction with His Majesty’s birthday celebration must be made before August 1.

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