Azlan Othman
Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong attended the Ratib Al-Attas recitation and Doa Kesyukuran ceremony held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the name changing of Bandar Brunei to Bandar Seri Begawan at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital yesterday.
Bandar Brunei changed its name to Bandar Seri Begawan on October 4, 1970. In commemoration of the services of Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam in advancing and modernising Brunei Darussalam, the celebration to commemorate the Brunei capital’s renaming is conducted every October 4.
The Bandar Seri Begawan Municipality has been expanded from 1,287 hectares to 10,036.24 hectares from August 1, 2007.
The expansion of the capital was with the consent 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.
It was officially announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs on July 19, 2007. The initiative was also to expand efforts to strengthen Islam in Bandar Seri Begawan with good and beautiful image, even more so by its nature as the city with Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) concept and Zikir Nation.
Bandar Seri Begawan has seen rapid development over the years in infrastructure, communications, religion, education, economy, welfare, business, security, social and so on.
Citizens and residents should also have crucial roles in maintaining the security, cleanliness and beauty of Bandar Seri Begawan, to further enhance its status as one of the unique tourist destinations, while also upholding its Bruneian identity.
The recitation of Ratib Al-Attas was led by Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque Officer Begawan Mudim Haji Metassim bin Haji Metussin. The Doa Kesyukuran was led by Senior Mosque Affairs Officer at Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque Zulkifli bin Haji Murat.
Legislative Council members, permanent secretaries and deputy permanent secretaries at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), heads of departments, members of Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Board, officers of MoHA, and mukim penghulus in the Bandar Seri Begawan area were also present at the ceremony.
