| Hakim Hayat |
THE Inter-Mukims Patriotic Songs Choir Competition for the Brunei-Muara District was held at the Information Department building in Old Airport on Saturday evening.
Grand prize winners, Mukim Gadong ‘A’ Suara Anak Seni choir group (184 points) won BND1,500.
Meanwhile, second prize winners Rezal Malek Faezal choir group from Mukim Pengkalan Batu (174 points) won BND1,300 followed by Nuri Permata Rubi from Mukim Serasa (159 points) who won BND1,000 and Az-Riqin Choir Group of Mukim Sengkurong came next and received BND500.
The competition was organised by the Information Department in conjunction with the 35th National Day celebration and the Enlivening the Hoisting of the National Flag Programme.
Legislative Council member and Penghulu of Mukim Gadong ‘A’ Yang Berhormat Haji Tahamit bin Haji Nudin was the guest of honour.
Acting Deputy Director of Information Hajah Noorashidah binti Haji Aliomar was also present.
Head of Nationhood Unit of the Information Department and event chairperson Hajah Hamsah binti Datu Kerna Haji Jaya said that apart from honing local talents, the competition aimed to promote patriotism and love for 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 as well as the country through patriotic songs.
She added that their talents can be utilised for performances in any national events hosted by the Information Department or mukim and village consultative councils as well as ministries.
She added that the final winner of the competition for all districts will be invited to perform at the mini flag distribution and Enlivening the Hoisting of the National Flag Programme in conjunction with the 35th National Day celebration.
The annual competition, aimed at strengthening ties, inculcating cooperation and unity among participants, also hoped to promote talents in several fields such as singing, acting, dancing and hosting.
The singing of the national anthem was the curtain raiser followed by the choir performances by participants comprising six groups from mukims of Pengkalan Batu, Serasa, Gadong ‘A’, Berakas ‘B’ and Sengurong.
Winner Suara Anak Seni performed the patriotic song Bahagia Brunei Darussalam while Rezal Malek Faezal sang Patriot Bangsa and Nur Permata Rubi performed the song Tanah Airku.