Rokiah Mahmud
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad yesterday highlighted the importance of maintaining and preserving Brunei’s cultural heritage as the nation’s identity and its relevance to the Sultanate’s development.
He said this year’s performance was aimed at delivering the message that the younger generation needs to learn about the country’s heritage.
The cultural performance, the minister said, also highlighted the seven ethnic groups through performers’ attires with the show featuring a nine-year-old violinist and a 13-year old boy playing gulingtangan alongside veteran musicians.
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi said the celebration featured all walks of life, including differently-abled and special needs individuals as oath readers, emphasising on inclusivity being vital in the path to achieving Brunei Vision 2035.
Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan echoed this year’s theme aiming at realising the national vision.
He said cultural heritage must not be neglected as it is the Sultanate’s identity based on Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB), adding that it must be preserved so the future generation can experience it.
Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan said representatives, including a four-year-old girl from an ethnic group, took part in the celebration wearing their traditional attires with pride and honour.
He believed young participants marching with confidence in their traditional costumes should attract attention from the younger generation and motivate them to appreciate the culture.
Brunei Malay Kedayan Association (PEMEDAYAN) President Haji Zainal bin Tinggal, who led the contingent of ethnic groups, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to take part in the celebration.
He said the event gave exposure to the ethnic groups, generating public interest in their ways of life.
