The National Day Oath and its recitation are integral parts of the annual celebrations marking the Sultanate’s independence. It’s a coveted opportunity not just to express patriotism but also to do so in front of 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.
For Hajah Annisa binti Haji Moksin, a language coach for this year’s 40th National Day Oath readers, this aspect of the celebrations is more than a recitation of words.
“Reflecting on the meaning of an oath, it is a solemn promise, a commitment to our king, country, and people,” she shared in an interview with the Weekend Bulletin.
According to Hajah Annisa, who is also a Senior Language Officer at the Language and Literature Bureau (DBP), every passage and every word contained in the National Day Oath holds weight, even more so when recited by Bruneians of different walks of life.
“From the beginning to the end, the oath is our promise to stay committed to safeguarding the peace and serving the nation; ultimately prioritising the nation above all else.”
This year’s recitation will be particularly meaningful, she added, as the contingent will consist of 84 individuals, symbolising the year of independence.
This includes representatives from the public and private sectors, as well as non-governmental organisations (NGOs), along with oath readers from previous national day celebrations and Bruneians born in 1984.
BLASTS FROM THE PAST
Haji Khairul Nizam bin Haji Md Said, a member of this year’s contingent and Oath reader alumni shared that the opportunity to take on the field and recite the National Day oath again, has become a point of pride.
Officer at the Mosque Affairs Department of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Haji Khairul Nizam is an alumnus and led the recitation of the oath during the 20th National Day celebration.
In light of this, he felt it was kismet to participate in the 40th anniversary of Brunei’s independence this year, as it will mark his participation at two significant milestones in Brunei’s history taking place at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.
Reminiscing his early experience as an oath reader he said, “In 2004, the National Day celebrations were held at night, and I remember leading the oath, feeling overwhelmed with pride.”
For fellow alumnus Hasmillah binti Ismail, an oath reader from the 31st National Day celebrations, shared that even with experience, she anticipates nerves flaring up during the actual recitation in front of the monarch.
“I’m grateful to be entrusted with this responsibility again,” shared Hasmillah, who is an officer at the Public Service Department.
“Of course, there are nerves, but I know from experience that on the actual day, the energy will be different, and everyone will be in high spirits.”
Meanwhile for Aidil Hajri @ Muhammad Hadi bin Shaheed, he described their time rehearsing and understanding the nuances within the oath as eye-opening.
A cabin crew member for Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) Aidil noted how the coaches ensured that every oath reader understood the meaning behind the oath; the spirit of the celebration, the sacrifices and the memory of Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam.
“I never imagined, especially at this stage of my life – I’m now 40, a part of the 1984 cohort, an independence baby – that I’d get this chance… It feels like the stars have aligned.”
AN OATH OF UNITY
Officer at the Ministry of Health Dayangku Hajah Adawiyah binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Jaberudin, finds that being part of the National Day Oath readers brings an unexpected sense of kinship. It’s a time where new bonds are forged, and old ones are rekindled.
“Some members of the contingent are friends whom I haven’t seen in a long time. Reuniting with them here, in this setting feels very special.”
For Aziz bin Assan, a sign language coach for the 40th National Day Oath readers, the recent inclusion of persons with different abilities in the contingent has further strengthened the Sultanate’s message of unity.
Aziz, an interpreter and educator in sign language, noted that seeing individuals with different abilities standing alongside other representatives from all corners of the Sultanate signifies something profound.
It demonstrates that all oath readers, regardless of their origin, are equal, and it symbolises the unity of Bruneians together, he added.
A SPIRITED PROMISE
After weeks of intensive oratory training and deep reflection on the oath’s meaning, the readers have formed a profound connection with its words, embracing its message of resilience and unwavering loyalty to the nation.
“Throughout our training, we were explained the meaning and significance of the oath. We were encouraged to let this feeling sink in – when we read it, do we truly feel it?” said Dayangku Amal Nurul Khadijah binti Pengiran Haji Ahmad from Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sdn Bhd.
She shared that each passage holds a philosophy applicable to real life, with the final passages standing out for their call for sincerity and the sacrifices needed to grow stronger.
For her part, Dayangku Azrin Azreena binti Pengiran Haji Rakawi from the Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah expressed deep gratitude for her role in this year’s contingent.
“The most moving part of the oath for me is the call for ‘Allahu Akbar’. It reinforces our roots in Islam and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh); it always stirs up the spirit.” – Wardi Wasil
