| Lyna Mohamad |
THE participation of Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah who led the Excellent Achievers Team in the 34th National Day march-past showcased the spirit of sportsmanship in the nation.
This was highlighted by Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, in an interview following the National Day celebration at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien in the capital yesterday.
“Her participation created enthusiasm among the people,” said the minister, adding that it was exciting to witness her join in the march-past along with the Excellent Achievers’ contingent in upholding the spirit of patriotism.
Commenting on the event, the minister noted that the event went extremely well. “It’s a very joyous occasion filled with the spirit of patriotism and love towards His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the country and its values.
“What was good to see was the joy of all the participants throughout the event. We were blessed with beautiful weather and the participants were in high spirits and extremely joyous. It went extremely well, Alhamdulillah.”
The minister also extended his gratitude on behalf of his ministry to His Majesty and members of the royal family for gracing the occasion.
Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan, who took over as the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports only a month ago, also congratulated and thanked the present committee members involved in the smooth running of the historical event, as well as the past committee members led by former Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports who is now the Minister of Defence II, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, for their hard work.
“Most important of all, I have to thank all the participants from all levels of the society – senior citizens, officers in the ministry, members of non-government organisations and schoolchildren. Without them, the joyous occasion would not have materialised,” the minister said.
Asked about His Majesty’s 34th National Day titah, the minister expressed gratitude as “it contains guidelines, advice and directions for the nation”, and highlighted the vital role that youths must play in nation development and the need for them to uphold His Majesty’s titah.
“They (youths) have to be part of it. They have to be brave and face the challenges. They are part of the changes and they should also act as the catalyst towards developing the nation as we approach our Brunei Vision 2035.”
In this regard, the minister called on the youths to be inclusive, urging them to be forward-thinking and be part of the changes in strategies and policies.
“We have to hear what they have to say yet we must balance it with what others have to say. It is a two-way process. They should come forward with their views, but we should ensure that we provide mentorship and a platform for them to express their views.”
Asked on plans to be implemented by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the minister said that the ministry is looking into what have been done, including the Youth Congress and Youth Convention, which is a very good platform for youth development.
“We have to ensure that such platforms that currently exist are revitalised, so that we will be able to bring in the youths and hear their views. I look forward to the Youth Congress and Youth Convention through which we will be able to engage the youths in a positive environment.”