National Flag of Brunei Darussalam

The Brunei Darussalam State Flag in its present form, except for the crest, has been in use since 1906 when Brunei became a protected state, following the signing of an agreement between Brunei and Great Britain. The crest was superimposed in 1959 after the promulgation of the Constitution of 29th September, 1959.

Brunei flag in 1906-- 29 Sept 1959

Brunei flag after gaining internal self-government on 29 Sept 1959

The rectangular shaped State flag of four component portions, two parallelograms and two trapeziums - is cut across by a parallelogram from a point 2.5 inches below the top left corner to a point of the same distance from the bottom corner on the right side.

The standard measures 72 inches long by 36 inches wide.

The parallelogram dividing the rectangle in this manner leaves two similar trapeziums at the top and bottom of the flag, with the lower trapezium assuming the inverted form of the upper trapezium.

The parallelogram is again divided into two parallelograms of unequal depths, the upper being 1 inch wider that the lower which is 7.5 inches in width.

The State crest in red superimposes the center of the flag.

The forefingers of the upright arms, which support the red crest, are equidistant at 24 inches from the left and right sides of the flag.

Embodied in the crest in yellow Arabic script is the state motto, which can be roughly translated: "Always Render Service by God's Guidance".

Four colours are incorporated in the flag, red for the crest, yellow for the trapeziums, white for the upper parallelogram and black for the lower parallelogram.

Source:
Text: pp10-12, Bendera dan Lagu Kebangsaan NBD, 2008, Jbt Penerangan
Diagram (not to scale): flag drawn by myself, Crest from the Internet

rename of Bandar Brunei in 4th October 1970

(image from CNN online)

Bandar Seri Begawan, capital of Brunei Darussalam, used to be Bandar Brunei prior to 4th October 1970. It was renamed in commemoration of Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien who was well-known as 'The Architect of Modern Brunei'. Under the reign of Al-Marhum Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, there were rapid economic, social and political development as he introduced the 5-year First National Development Plan in 1953.

Quoting from the Lower Secondary History Guide for Brunei Darussalam:

from p102:

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III was the first member of the royal family to suggest fact-finding visits to the rural villages. People began to respect and were confident in him. He also showed commitment towards improving the socio-economic standards and welfare of his people.

from p111:

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III directed his time and energy to nation-building which were reflected in the two National Development Plans.

His Royal Highness' greatest achievement was the signing of the 1959 Constitution Agreement*. The positions of the Malay Language and Islam were strengthened through his determination. The Malay Language was to be the State Official Language and Islam, the State Religion.

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III set up primary and secondary schools throughout the country to increase literacy. Scholarships for higher learning and overseas training were given to students.

In May 1961, The Royal Brunei Malay Regiment was set up. Brunei Currency Board issued its first currency note in 1967.

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III voluntarily abdicated in favour of his eldest son, Yang Teramat Mulia Seri Paduka Seri Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota Hassanal Bolkiah on 4 October 1967.


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*On 29 September 1959, The Constitution Agreement was signed at the Lapau between Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and Sir Robert Scott, the Commissioner-General for Southeast Asia.

The significance of the 1959 Constitution Agreement:

• The Sultan as Supreme Head of State.
• Brunei was responsible for its internal administration.
• The British Government was responsible for foreign and defence affairs only.
• The post of Resident was abolished and replaced by a British High Commissioner.
• A new post of Menteri Besar was created. (The First Menteri Besar was Pehin Dato Perdana Menteri Dato Seri Laila Utama Awang Haji Ibrahim bin Mohammad Jahfar)

Reference:
Lower Secondary History Guide for Brunei Darussalam, 2003, SNP Panpac.