| Wani Roslan |
THOUSANDS of enthusiastic participants gathered in the heart of the capital yesterday to celebrate the country’s 34th National Day in an event marked by flowing nationalism and patriotic fervour.
Around 23,000 marchers from 138 teams took part in a march-past to enliven the annual celebration. These teams were from groups such as national security, the Bestari community, civil service, socio-economy, post secondary education, secondary education, private education, mosque Takmir groups, professional organisations, youth movements, women’s associations, general associations and outstanding teams.
Reflecting their contributions to the country, 60 participants comprising the Association of Retired Personnel of the Royal Brunei Police Force (POLSARA) took part in the march-past.
Haji Abdul Ghani bin Haji Abdul Tangah, a former public communications officer of POLSARA, said: “This year’s celebration is more energetic and lively and it is an honour to participate and witness this annual event. I would like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow Bruneians a very happy 34th National Day.”
Setia Protective Security Services Sdn Bhd (SPSS), a local property security firm, also took part in the march-past, sending out a 100-strong team.
Muhammad Ariff bin Haji Jaini, one of the company’s marchers, commented that the National Day celebration as a once-a-year event is an opportunity for all Bruneians including the youth to show their spirit of patriotism.
“This is my second time participating in this spectacular event… it’s fantastic as it allows me and the other participants to get our patriotic spirit running and show our love towards our beloved monarch and country,” he beamed.
A representative from the Kampong Bebuloh Neighbourhood Watch, Haji Said bin Tundak, who is also the Village Head of Kampong Bebuloh, said that the group is involved in the National Day celebrations every year, adding that he has noticed more participants in the event compared to the previous year.
Highlighting on the Neighbourhood Watch, he shared: “As a member of the Neigbourhood Watch, we conduct patrols of villages under Mukim Pengkalan Batu and share information on suspicious activities from our operations with the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF).”
Meanwhile, Hajah Nur Hasyimah binti Haji Mohd Yassin, a teacher at Nusa Jaya School in Kampong Keriam, Tutong, shared her excitement at having the opportunity to be involved in the parade.
“On the occasion of Brunei’s 34th National Day, we hope to see our young generation contribute to achieving our nation’s Vision 2035 and our country to be always blessed with peace and prosperity and under the protection of Allah the Almighty,” she said.
A participant from the Belia Cinta Tanah Air programme, Norulhuda binti Muhd Iskandar, told the Sunday Bulletin that the programme has received a positive response from local youth, with many participating in the National Day celebrations and grabbing the opportunity to show their spirit of patriotism.
“The programme is altered accordingly year to year to achieve the nation’s Vision 2035 goals of producing youth infused with a love of the country, religion and monarch,” she said. “I would like to take this opportunity to say ‘Happy 34th National Day’ to all Bruneians and our friends in the Department of Youth and Sports.”
Also joining in the grand occasion was Steve Clark, a teacher at Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Secondary School in Lumut.
Participating in the event for the third time, Clark said he is proud to be involved in the National Day celebrations and has “gained a wonderful experience from it all”.