National Day (Malay: Hari Kebangsaan; Jawi: کبڠساءن هاري) or Independence Day (Hari Kemerdekaan) is a national holiday in Brunei commemorating the anniversary of Brunei's proclamation of independence. It was made a national holiday by government decree in 1985.[1] Although Brunei broke away from the United Kingdom on 1 January 1984, it wasn't until February that Brunei was totally free of British control.[2]
In 1888, Brunei signed a deal with the British to come under their protection in order to ensure its own political survival.[3] As piracy and rebellion threatened the internal order of the kingdom and Sarawak's White Rajahs encroached on the borders, Sultan Hashim Jalilul Alam Aqamaddin petitioned the British government for help to slow the rapid collapse of Brunei's land. The British residency was established in 1906, and Brunei remained under their rule for an additional 53 years. The Constitution Agreement, which abolished the residence requirement and established internal self-government while leaving Britain in charge of defense and foreign policy, was signed with the United Kingdom in 1959, marking the beginning of the country's journey toward independence. The timeframe for independence was established by subsequent treaties with the United Kingdom in 1971 and 1979.[4][3]
Whereas, the time has now arrived when Brunei Darussalam will resume full international responsibility as a sovereign and independent nation in the community of nations. And whereas, via the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation with the United Kingdom..... Brunei Darussalam's restoration of full independence and the return of full responsibility for defense and foreign affairs to the person of the Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan of Brunei from HM the Queen has been set to happen on the first day of January of 1984, as agreed upon and under the provisions of said Treaty.
