The celebration commemorating four decades of independence was showcased through field performances at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium yesterday.
The concept of the performance also featured the historic milestone of Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam reciting ‘Allahu Akbar’ followed with the beating of the hadrah in 1984.
The Acting Director of Arts and Culture of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Haji Mohd Abdoh bin Haji Awang Damit in an interview said, “All three segments of the field performance showcased the immense achievement of the nation as well as patriotism, unity and solidarity of the people of the country.
“The field performance concept was based on this year’s 40th National Day theme, Bersatu Mencapai Cita Negara or (‘United in Achieving the Nation’s Aspirations’) as well as the logo. The performances were: Cita Bangsa Sejarah Terukir; Bersatu Mempertahankan Bangsa; and Bersatu Mencapai Cita Negara. The first performance saw 1,000 participants comprising personnel from the government and private sector, school students as well as personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and Royal Brunei Police Force, while the second performance saw around 500 RBAF personnel. Meanwhile, the third performance saw around 11,000 participants.
The acting director added that the performances were also supported by some 1,800 ‘human LED’, 250 choir teams and a 130 national orchestra of musicians playing traditional instruments.
“Among the challenges faced was presenting the concept effectively within an eight-minute performance. The creative team worked meticulously on designing the layout, addressing logistical matters, and ensuring the participants, especially students, could grasp the concept without compromising their study time. We hope that the performances were able to instil a sense of patriotism among the participants.” He added, “The field performances served as an example of how we can unite to accomplish our national goal – the Brunei Vision 2035, as well as showcasing unity for the nation’s development and progress. We wanted the performance to have an educational impact, allowing the participants, especially students to understand the meaning of patriotism through these activities.
“Eventually they will understand that solidarity, patriotic spirit as well as unity is not by just waving the flag, but the singing of the national anthem before 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 the royal family and getting involved in national events. Through these participations, it will eventually make them feel proud and fortunate to live in a blessed country with all the facilities and prosperity provided.” Meanwhile, Principal of Brunei History Centre Dr Haji Muhammad Hadi bin Haji Muhammad Melayong said that the spirit and performances portrayed by the participants serve as the strength of our nation – the Bruneian spirit.
“We hope that the Bruneian spirit will assist us to move forward symbolising the sense of unity to achieve the nation’s goal, Brunei Vision 2035,” he added. – Rokiah Mahmud
