The 40th National Day grand assembly saw some 25,000 participants showcasing the spirit of patriotism, nationalism and independence as well as upholding the Sultanate’s aspiration for Brunei Vision 2035 in line with the theme ‘Bersatu Mencapai Cita Negara’ (‘United in Achieving Nation’s Aspirations’).
The grand assembly was held at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas yesterday.
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 Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam graced the grand assembly.
Some 500 school students assembled along the road leading to the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium waving miniature flags, waiting for the arrival of Their Majesties to the venue.
Upon arrival, Their Majesties were greeted by Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris bin Pengiran Maharaja Lela Pengiran Muda Abdul Kahar, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Brunei Darussalam 40th National Day celebration and executive committee members.
Accompanying Their Majesties were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah binti Pengiran Haji Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Anisha Rosnah binti Adam.
Also present were His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna and members of the royal family.
The 40th National Day grand assembly celebration began with the singing of the national anthem, followed by His Majesty inspecting the guard of honour mounted by personnel of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) before returning to the royal dais.
One thousand participants comprising government and private primary and secondary schools, national service trainees along with 103 RBPF personnel showcased the first segment of the National Day performance titled Cita Bangsa, Sejarah Terukir.
The performances were supported by 1,800 human LEDs, 250 choir teams representing the government and departments, youth as well as 130 National Orchestra musicians.
In the second segment, 500 RBAF personnel showcased a mini tattoo performance titled Bersatu Mempertahankan Bangsa which included a parachute performance by RBAF personnel.
The march-past parade comprised 170 teams involving 14,120 participants. The parade was led by head of parade group comprising 40 RBAF personnel bearing the giant-flag, 84 oath readers comprising officers in the government and private sectors, and differently-abled person as well as 139 RBAF and RBPF personnel bearing the national flag of Brunei Darussalam and the logo.
Entering proudly as part of the march-past parade were uniformed forces, the uniformed cadets and associations and other uniformed groups, public sectors, District Offices, authoritative bodies, post-secondary education, religious education, differently-abled persons and senior citizens association, foreign associations, national sports associations, youth and community associations, the oil and gas industries, seven Brunei ethnic groups and others.
It was followed with the reading of oath led by Prisons Department Officer from the Ministry of Home Affairs Amirulmukmenin bin Haji Omar, while the three calls of takbir was made by Radio Television Brunei Producer Grade 1, at the Prime Minister’s Office, Mohammad Naqiuddin bin Haji Ismail.
The third segment encompassed this year’s theme Bersatu Mencapai Cita Negara performed by 11, 000 participants.
Before departing the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, His Majesty and members of the royal family graced to meet and greet the parade and field performance participants. – Rokiah Mahmud
