Some 25,000 people are set to participate in the country’s 40th National Day celebration grand assembly at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium this Saturday.
Details of this year’s National Day celebration were shared by Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari and Permanent Secretary (Civil Service Governance) at the Prime Minister’s Office Ajman bin Haji Meludin at a press conference yesterday.
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 and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam are attending the grand assembly.
His Majesty has also consented to attend a number of other events marking the country’s 40th National Day, including the Doa Kesyukuran ceremony, Maghrib prayers, recitation of Surah Yaasiin and the National Day Cycling event.
NATIONWIDE PRAYERS
A nationwide Doa Kesyukuran ceremony, Maghrib prayers and recitation of Surah Yaasiin to mark the 40th National Day will be held this Thursday at 5.45pm.
The main focal point is at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, with all mosques and suraus in the four districts joining in simultaneously.
Focal points in the other districts include Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Pekan Tutong, Mohammad Jamalul Alam Mosque in Kuala Belait and Utama Mohammad Salleh Mosque in Pekan Bangar.
Following nationwide prayers, the grand assembly takes place at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium on Saturday at 9am.
GRAND ASSEMBLY
The grand assembly’s marching portion this year will be divided into two groups.
Group A will comprise the giant flag bearers as the marching lead, the oath and takbir group, the national and logo flag bearers, uniformed personnel, cadets, uniformed associations and the public sector.
Group B comprises associations, the education and private sectors.
The grand assembly performances feature three showcases – Cita Bangsa Sejarah Terukir; Bersatu Mempertahankan Bangsa; and Bersatu Mencapai Cita Negara.
CYCLING EVENT
The National Day Cycling event will be held on March 10, with an estimated cycling distance of 10.30 kilometres. A team will also cycle for 40 kilometres.
SIDE EVENTS
A 40-Times Khatam Al-Quran ceremony will also be held on February 26 in all four districts.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office has consented to attend the event at the main focal point, Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah.
Other focal points include RPN Kampong Bukit Beruang Mosque in Tutong District, RPN Kampong Pandan Mosque in the Belait District and RPN Kampong Rataie Mosque in the Temburong District.
Other side events will be held.
HOTLINES
Two hotlines for coordination purposes in regards to the grand celebration are available: 8332212 for general issues and 8332213 for student issues. For emergencies, call 991.
The Brunei Darussalam’s 40th National Day Celebration Executive Committee also expressed its deepest appreciation to its strategic partners who have contributed, in the form of in-kind or goods in the preparation and implementation of this year’s celebration, in particular to: Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Shell Joint Venture Companies, Brunei Gas Carriers, Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd, Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sdn Bhd, Gallop Air, Media Permata and Borneo Bulletin for the diamond tier contribution. DST for its platinum tier contribution, and Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB) and its subsidiaries, Insurans Islam TAIB, Darussalam Holdings, TAIB Filling Station, as well as Jollibee and McDonald’s restaurants, D’Sunlit Sdn Bhd and Ong Marble Trading, for its gold tier contributions.
The executive committee called for the people and residents to show their support in celebrating the National Day by hoisting the national flag in private residences and office and business buildings, as well as the installation and lighting of street lights in government and private sector buildings until February 25. The executive committee also reminded the public attending events to prioritise their well-being by adhering to the outlined guidelines. Additionally, considering the current weather conditions in the country, it is advisable to bring along bottled water, umbrellas, and hats. Individuals who are unwell are encouraged to watch the broadcast of the grand assembly at home. – Adib Noor
