Adib Noor, Rokiah Mahmud & Lyna Mohamad
The nation celebrated the 39th anniversary of independence yesterday, and a symbolic 3,900 participants took part in the march-past at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien.
Participants were from all walks of life and communities. One contingent was the members of the retired personnel of the Royal Brunei Police Force (POLSARA).
Deputy President of POLSARA Haji Johari bin Abdul Rahman said the association has participated in every national day parade, adding that it reflected their commitment to contributing to the nation even though they are no longer in service.
Meanwhile, Dr Haji Tassim bin Haji Abu Bakar from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) said their contingent was represented by 37 personnel led by UBD’s Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle.
Syazwani from the Laksamana College of Business (LCB) told the Bulletin that it was her second time taking part in the parade and happy to see many new faces at the event.
Director of International and Public Relations at Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) Pengiran Siti Khatijah binti Pengiran Sulaiman shared that KUPU SB was represented by 36 personnel led by Ra’es of KUPU SB, Dr Haji Adanan bin Haji Basar, while 60 KUPU SB students were with the hadrah team.
National wushu athlete and Southeast Asian Games gold medallist Mohd Adi Salihin bin Roslan led the contingent of 44 distinguished youths in various fields, from entrepreneurship to academics.
“It was an amazing experience to be leading the group. Being chosen is something I am proud of and will surely remember,” he said.
Meanwhile, representatives of foreign communities in the country, including those from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and India.
Deputy Chief of Mission of the Indonesian Embassy in Brunei Darussalam, Irwan Iding who was watching the parade from the sidelines, said he was proud of the Indonesian community which continues to enliven the celebrations every year.
The Indonesian representatives wore 22 traditional costumes, representing various provinces in Indonesia, as well as 16 batik uniforms.
