Annual report / State of Brunei.

Date:
[1954]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Annual report / State of Brunei. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    ? the early part of 1954, and submitted their final report to Govern¬ ment in March, 1954. The report has been studied by His Excel¬ lency the High Commissioner, and his advisers, and in November an officer of the Attorney-General’s Office, Sarawak, was seconded to Brunei in order to draft the Constitution and other ordinances pertaining to the Constitution and local Government. During the time this officer was engaged on this work he was closely in touch with His Highness the Sultan and His Highness’s advisers. In 1954, His Highness and his advisers having studied the report made by the Constitution Committee, decided to introduce the first step, and on 11th September, 1954, the first District Advisory Councils were formed, all members in the first place being appointed by His Highness. Each District Advisory Council was empowered to appoint observers to State Council who, on giving the necessary notice, would be allowed to address Council on any matters relating to their District, and could also be called upon to address State Council regarding any matter on which His Highness might wish them to speak. The ancient Malay ceremony of ear-piercing (Istiadat Ber- tindek) of the two Princesses took place in Brunei on 29th April. From 24th April to 1st May elaborate ceremonies and celebrations leading up to the final ear-piercing ceremony took place, and all Brunei was en fete. Many distinguished visitors were invited to Brunei for these ceremonies, including His Excellency the Right Honourable Mr. Malcolm MacDonald, Commissioner-General for South East Asia, His Excellency Sir Anthony Abell, K.C.M.G., High Commissioner for Brunei and Governor of Sarawak, and His Excellency Mr. R. E. Turnbull, C.M.G., Governor of North Borneo. During this week His Highness inaugurated the awarding of his Brunei Honours and Awards, which included the Most Esteemed Family Order, and the Crown of Brunei. At a special ceremony during this week His Highness was graciously pleased to present the Most Esteemed Family Order, First Class, to the High Commissioner Sir Anthony Abell, K.C.M.G. At an im¬ pressive ceremony during the same week, the High Commissioner, on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, presented the insignia of Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George (Honorary) to His Highness the Sultan.
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