# Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien

Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien is a historical urban park, located in the Pusat Bandar of Bandar Seri Begawan, where significant state ceremonies are held, including the Sultan's birthday celebrations, National Day, the National Musabaqah Al-Quran, and the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, among others. Formerly known as Padang Besar, the park underwent renovations in 1983 and was renamed in honour of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III. This site holds historical importance, as it was the location of Brunei's declaration of independence reading on 1 January 1984.
Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien is located across from the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital of Brunei. Other notable buildings surrounding the field include the Secretariat Building and the Community Hall.

## History

During the 1960s, Padang Besar served as the hub of Brunei Town's public life, drawing people of all ages for state functions, football games, and national festivities, such as the birthday of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III. State officials, schoolchildren, and security personnel were among the participants. Families were able to take part in the festivities together with traditional puppet performances presented by the Department of Information, while local youth, students, and guest artists provided entertainment in the evenings.

## Features

The 10 metres (33 ft)-tall Cendera Lambang Kenangan was built especially for the silver jubilee celebration of Brunei Town's renaming as Bandar Seri Begawan. This memorial insignia, presented by the Brunei Shell Company, cost about $60,000 and is located within the park. Arkitek Idris contributed its design while working with regional engineers. This structure, which bears the inscription "Bandar Seri Begawan 1970 - 1995," was built to add a three-dimensional garden aspect to the cityscape.
The entrance arch to the park was built around 1980. It is located next to Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien, near the Timepiece Monument. Initially, the arch was constructed from wood and coloured plywood. In 1990, it was renovated and rebuilt using concrete materials.

## Events

The inaugural Pupils' Day took place in 1968 in Padang Besar, with Pengiran Muhammad Yusuf, the acting Menteri Besar of Brunei, presiding over the occasion. Students from all four districts participated in dances, cultural shows, and exhibitions during this event, which took the place of the previous Education Week. In August, the field organised festivities to commemorate the coronation of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, in which all schools took part.
At exactly 00:01 on 4 October 1970, Brunei Town was legally renamed Bandar Seri Begawan. The statement was made by Pengiran Muhammad Yusuf, the Menteri Besar, during a ceremony held in Padang Besar. In commemoration of this milestone, Besar Sagap composed a song named "Ibu Kota Nan Indah" with lyrics by Abdul Wahab Mohamed.
On 1 January 1984, at midnight, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah declared Brunei to be an independent nation. Three booming cries of "Allahuakbar," led by Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, signalled the start of the Takbir. The approximately 30,000 spectators who had assembled at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien broke into deafening celebrations. Along with the rhythmic beats of hadrah drums and 21-gun salute, the phrases "ALLAHU AKBAR" and "MERDEKA NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM 1984," printed in both Jawi and Roman letters, lighted up the park. The proclamation was followed by a prayer of gratitude from Brunei's Mufti. On this occasion, Brunei formally left the British protectorate and became a Melayu Islam Beraja with complete sovereignty, the Sultan now having the last say in foreign affairs.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah formally declared in a speech on 31 May 1988, that Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III's personal emblem will be replaced with his own. The First and Second Battalions of the Royal Brunei Land Force received the Units' Colours from the Sultan during the same ceremony, which took place in Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien, commemorating the event with military honour and custom.

## Gallery

* An extended view of the park
* The park with the backdrop of the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque
* 2023 National Day celebration
* Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's 78th birthday celebration
* The primary entryway arch
* Close-up of the arch