First introduced in 1906 when Brunei became a British protectorate, the flag originally featured the now-familiar yellow, white, and black design, representing solidarity among the agreement's signatories.

Today, the flag stands as a powerful emblem of Brunei's Islamic faith, royal authority, and enduring national identity.

With the exception of the symbol, Brunei's current national flag design has been in use since 1906, when the country became a British protectorate under an agreement with the government of the United Kingdom.

Only some people, such as the descendants of sultans and wazirs, were permitted to keep their own banners after 1959 in an effort to decrease the number of flags flown during state occasions.

The national motto, "Sentiasa Membuat Kebajikan Dengan Petunjuk Allah" (meaning "Always Render Service with God's Guidance"), is inscribed in yellow Arabic calligraphy.