Patriotic fervour filled the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas yesterday as Brunei celebrated its 40th National Day, drawing citizens from all walks of life to the event.
Among them was civil servant Hazwan bin Haji Nikman, 26, who was among the early birds and sitting at the public seating in the stadium.
Having participated in numerous National Day events during his school years, Hazwan described the stadium’s ambiance as joyous and celebratory, filled with familiar faces and a sense of national pride.
“I am glad I got the ticket to watch the celebration live along with my two friends and being among the spectators where you feel the sense of patriotism and pride especially with the amazing performances.” President of the Brunei-Muara Senior Citizens Activity Centre (PKWE BM) Haji Abu Bakar bin Haji Mohd Don was dressed in the full traditional Songket attire displaying the patriotic spirit as a citizen and a participant for the National Day event.
As a retired civil servant, he shared as a senior citizen he takes pride and was grateful to witness the nation celebrating 40 years of independence.
“We have witnessed a lot throughout the 40 years, especially in the nation’s development in health, welfare and religious obligations. And today I take pride donning this attire symbolising our traditional costume and dress well for this patriotic occasion.”
Fellow PKWE BM member Haji Mohd Yussof bin Haji Mohd Salleh also expressed gratitude. He said although they are in their golden age it does not lessen their patriotic spirit in celebrating the historical moment of independence.
“The past three days of rehearsals have filled me with patriotism spirit. Despite the humid weather, we were able to make it to this day and be part of the thousands joining others who are much younger than us except that I feel bit sad for those who were not able to get public tickets and had to watch from home”.
However, he added he was impressed with the spirit showcased by youth and young children in working together to make the event a success and hoped more will make time to be involved in events such as this as they are the future generation who will take over in spearheading the nation towards more development.
Zuelalini binti Haji Mohamad of RPN Kampong Lambak Kanan was a bit disappointed as she was not able to get entrance tickets for her and her children. However, this did not deter her spirit to be at the stadium to watch from the big screen outside the stadium.
“I was hoping to get tickets as I wanted to give my children their first experience of witnessing the celebration in person as I wanted to instil in them the sense of patriotism, which is being present here and experiencing the feeling and atmosphere.”
As for herself, she has witnessed many National Day celebrations over the years and although she has never participated or being involved in any of the events, attending the event itself gives her the joy of joining other Bruneians to celebrate the independence and a show of patriotism and love for the country.
“I can see the performances showcased at every celebration has been better and better including this year as one can tell the hardwork that was put into making the celebration memorable.”
For Mohd Khairul Ihsan bin Haji Md Irwan, celebrating his 19th birthday alongside Brunei’s National Day added special significance to the festivities.
With his family by his side, they eagerly anticipated the colourful performances marking the historic occasion. His family were among the lucky ones to get tickets to the stadium and being the ‘Anak Merdeka’, Md Khairul has always been the most spirited one as he feels lucky to be celebrating his birthday with the nation’s independence.
The event showcased the unity and resilience of the Bruneian people, reaffirming their commitment to the nation’s progress and prosperity. – Lyna Mohamad
