Bandar Seri Begawan - The coronation of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam remains engrained in the memories of citizens and the population of Brunei.

The coronation was witnessed on Thursday, August 1, 1968 (corresponding to 6th Jamadil Awal 1388 Hijah) at the Lapau in the capital, and was broadcast via radio to the whole country.

When the Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien abdicated on October 4, 1967 at his own will, His Majesty, then the Crown Prince, was proclaimed as Brunei's 29th Sultan on the same date by Yang Teramat Mulia Dull Pengiran Bendahara Seri Maharaja Permaisuara Pengiran Muda Haji Hashim ibni Al-Marhum Duli Pengiran Bendahara Pengiran Anak Abdul Rahman, the charmain of the Royal Succession Committee. The proclamation took place at the Balai Singgahsana, Istana Darul Hana.

Today marks the 44th anniversary of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's ascension to the throne.

His Majesty's ongoing reign has overseen national development, the upkeep of peace and prosperity, and has also provided the people with modern infrastructure and benefits on the basis of Islamic teachings and Brunei's national philosophy of, Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB).

A senior citizen, Haji Mohd Yaman bin Besar, designed the commemorative plate to celebrate His Majesty's coronation. He has kept the commemorative plate until today as a souvenir.

Haji Mohd Yaman is an accomplished artist who served the government from 1950 until his retirement in the 1990s.

At his current age of 80 years old, he still remembers vividly key historic national events such as the drawing up the Bruner constitution on September, 29 1959.