| Hakim Hayat |
TRAILED by a grand show of patriotism in the capital to mark Brunei Darussalam’s 34th National Day on Saturday, the strong spirit shown by the people of the country carried on yesterday with a ‘Riadah Berbasikal Semangat Kebangsaan 2018’ led by 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 heavy downpour yesterday morning did not deter the spirit of over 1,000 cyclists from all walks of life, who took to the main streets of the capital in the recreational cycling event, held to spruce up the 34th National Day celebration and hoped to promote an active and healthy lifestyle among the society, especially as the country gears forward in achieving Brunei Vision 2035.
Cycling was declared a national pastime for the nation in October last year.
The country in the past few years has witnessed a growing trend of Bruneians taking up cycling activities, as evidenced by the increased presence of cyclists on Brunei roads, especially during weekends.
Royal family members joining the recreational cycling event yesterday were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah. Also present was His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah’s son, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Abdul Mu’min.
Upon arrival at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, His Majesty was greeted by Cabinet Ministers including Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Home Affairs; Dato Paduka Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Jaafar, the Minister of Health; and 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.
At the event’s flag-off, His Majesty witnessed the release of 34 balloons into the air, signifying 34 years of Brunei’s independence.
The balloons were released by youth representatives from the 13th Belia Cinta Tanah Air Programme (PBCTA) while a cheering squad of 30 youths from the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Programme Alumni (SSEAYP) added more joy to the event’s commencement.
The 11.5km route, led by His Majesty, featured cyclists from all walks of life using bicycles of different types, colours and specifications, with many carrying the Brunei flag from the main streets of Jalan Pretty to Jalan Elizabeth II, Jalan Sekolah, Jalan Kumbang Pasang, Jalan Gadong, Jalan Perdana Menteri, Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha and back to the Taman. Also joining in the event were senior government officials, including Cabinet Ministers.
Back at the Taman, His Majesty witnessed the return of 34 cyclists representing all four districts that were flagged off earlier in the morning for a 34-km route, as well as a cycle-past of some 34 child cyclists.
A solid performance by some 374 National Service Programme (PKBN) trainees also added colour to the event yesterday, where the young trainees showcased their skills attained from the programme including silat demonstrations and physical training.
The heavy rain did not dampen the spirit of many people to greet His Majesty, as he took his time to look closer at the ‘Bandarku Ceria’ programme, held every Sunday in the capital, showcasing numerous activities by different government and private agencies, and also individuals.
Some of the activities featured in Bandarku Ceria yesterday included Military Cross fit Training, Tai Chi performance, football fun fair, and a meet-and-greet session with Brunei DPMM FC players, football clinic, uniformed cadets band show, recycled art show, silat demonstration and clinic, origami craft demonstration, road safety and bicycle clinic, handicraft sales from the Special Education Unit (SEU) and many others.
As heavy rains lashed throughout the capital, His Majesty and members of the royal family continued to be greeted by the people and many took photos with His Majesty and members of the royal family, a clear testament to His Majesty’s genuine concern to the welfare of the people and the strong bond and affection between the monarch and his subjects.
The event yesterday was the result of a joint effort by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Health and also other ministries together with the Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation.
In a statement, the MCYS said the event’s success is a testament to the effectiveness of a ‘whole-country approach’ that involves people from all walks of life, including those from the government and non-government sectors, that can also be reflected in nation-building initiatives and programmes.