| Rokiah Mahmud & Wani Roslan |
PEOPLE from all walks of life gathered in the capital yesterday to celebrate Brunei’s 35th National Day with a spirit of patriotism and nationalism.
The light drizzle did not dampen the enthusiasm of the participants numbering around 25,000 who had practised for several weeks to perform before thousands of spectators.
As 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 arrived, the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien was awash with a multitude of colours.
Also in attendance 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; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
The spectacular 35th National Day parade and celebration saw around 25,000-strong team comprising field performers, parade participants and students lining at the shoulder of the main road to greet the royal family.
On arrival at the Taman, His Majesty and members of the royal family were greeted by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Executive Committee for the 35th National Day celebration and other Executive Committee members.
The royal entourage was greeted by spectators in their thousands.
His Majesty then consented to inspect the royal guard of honour mounted by personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and Royal Brunei Police Force.
Among the participants in the event was His Majesty’s son, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel who led students from Jerudong International School (JIS) under the private education cluster.
The theme, ‘Accomplishing the National Vision’ (Menjayakan Wawasan Negara) focussed on the vital roles that need to be fulfilled by all residents and citizens in all sectors towards the country’s development with collective efforts in ensuring the success of Brunei Vision 2035 goal. The theme also aimed to steer all sectors in playing their roles by equipping themselves with knowledge and skills, enhancing competitiveness, innovation and creativity in every aspect.
The grand assembly witnessed a march-past passing the royal dais led by 35 flag bearers from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Training Institute carrying the giant-sized national flag depicting the nation’s sovereignty and the people’s spirit of independence, love, loyalty and pledge to the nation.
Following were 200 personnel from the RBAF Training Institute and Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) Training Institute carrying national flags and the logo of 35th National Day.
Behind them were 41 oath readers from government ministries and departments, district representatives and also two participants with different abilities – all marching with high spirit and confidence as well as portraying their pride reflecting the charismatic youth that envisages the backbone of the country’s aspiration in achieving Brunei Vision 2035 in the fields of education, human resources, development, infrastructure, trade and economy.
This year, the march-past saw around 148 teams. The teams were divided into 15 clusters – national security; Bestari Community; civil service; socio-economy; post-secondary education, secondary education; private education; mosque Takmir committee groups; professional organisations; youth movements, women’s associations; general associations and outstanding teams.
The highlight of the 35th National Day celebration was field performances by an estimated 7,335 participants with the theme ‘Accomplishing the National Vision’. Participants were from various sectors and national development agencies including youth represented by students from secondary, post-secondary schools, colleges and higher learning institutions.
The performances reminded the nation to appreciate the sense of independence and the sovereignty of a nation, challenges faced in the era of 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) meant to increase knowledge, integrity and resilience particularly for youth as they are the national leaders in the next generation.
The performances also upheld the role of a visionary generation upholding the national philosophy Malay Islamic Monarchy, Zikir Nation and together achieving the progressive Brunei goal.
Next was a five-minute performance highlighting Visionary Generation Synergy with 1,035 participants showcasing their performances, including students from secondary, colleges, higher learning institutions and youth associations performing an orchestra of gulingtangan together with their traditional instruments such as gendang labik, gong, canang, tawak-tawak and guritik.
Some 50 students performed the hadrah while 100 others from the combined band of the Fire and Rescue Department, Prisons Department, RBAF Cadet and RBPF Cadet, 350 primary students and 388 trainees of the National Service Programme (PKBN) as well as 35 participants of the Colour Guard from the Creativity Team from the Youth Arts Association were among the participants.
Soon after the march-past, the proclamation of the National Day oath was led by President of the Guild Alumni Association of Universiti Brunei Darussalam Dr Mohad Nuriskandar bin Mohd Hasnan as well as the resounding call of Allahu Akbar led by a PhD student in Arabic Language at the Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali Muhammad Yadiy bin Haji Mat Yasin. The oath reading team included two participants with different abilities who used the sign language to deliver the oath.
Prior to departing the Taman, His Majesty consented to greet and meet the participants and appreciate their efforts to ensure the 35th National Day celebration a success.