Thousands of participants on Tuesday gathered for the first rehearsal of Brunei Darussalam’s 41st National Day Grand Assembly, set to take place this Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien.
Approximately 20,000 individuals, including students, civil servants, private sector employees, and members of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), took part in the marching and performance rehearsals.
Present to oversee the preparations were Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan; Acting Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force Dato Seri Pahlawan Sulaiman bin Alidin; and Acting Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force, Yang Amat Mulia SAC Pengiran Anak Haji Mohammad Saifullah Bin Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris.
Also in attendance was Permanent Secretary (Community) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari, who serves as the Co-Secretariat of the Executive Committee for the National Day celebration.
This year’s National Day parade will be divided into three main groups: Group A will be led by the Giant Flag Bearer, this group includes the Pledge and Takbir contingent, National and Logo Flag Bearers, uniformed personnel, cadets, uniformed associations, and the public sector; Group B comprises representatives from the education sector; and Group C will feature associations, private sector representatives, excellent teams, and the seven Bruneian Indigenous Groups.
The National Day performances will follow three themes “Permata Bangsa” (The Nation’s Gem), Patriotic Songs Medley, and “Bersatu Mencapai Cita Negara” (United in Achieving the Nation’s Aspirations)
Another rehearsal is scheduled for Wednesday (Feb 19), while a full dress rehearsal will take place on Thursday (Feb 20) at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien in preparation for the grand event. – James Kon
