To ensure smooth running of the upcoming Brunei Darussalam 40th National Day celebration grand assembly that will take place tomorrow, a final, full-dress rehearsal was held yesterday at Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.
Present to oversee the full-dress rehearsal were Grand Chamberlain Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pengiran Haji Alauddin bin Pengiran Paduka Tuan Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, Cabinet ministers and members of the Executive Committee of the Brunei Darussalam 40th National Day celebration.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof also took part in the parade under the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Veterans Association (PERWIRA).
Around 25,000 participants gathered to put up a near flawless performance in the final tune-up.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad, who co-chaired the executive committee of the celebration after the full dress rehearsal said, “Alhamdulillah, this is the final preparation – a full-dress rehearsal. Congratulations, it is a performance that we can be proud of. An applause to everyone here today.”
The minister also reminded participants to take steps to ensure personal care during the celebrations by having breakfast and limit their exposure to direct sunlight.
The National Day celebration grand assembly’s parade is 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; and Group ‘B’ comprises of associations, educational institutions and the private sectors.
The grand assembly will also feature three showcases – Cita Bangsa Sejarah Terukir; Bersatu Mempertahankan Bangsa; and Bersatu Mencapai Cita Negara.
Following the recent hot weather conditions, the public attending the celebration grand assembly, as well as the participants are advised to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from the heat that can be detrimental to health.
Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to hot weather conditions.
As such, the Ministry of Health will set up 11 temporary clinics in and around Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium to provide assistance to whose who need medical attention. – James Kon
