38th National Day Celebration Grand Assembly

Brunei Darussalam celebrated its 38th National Day Anniversary with a Grand Assembly at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien in the capital. 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 graced the ceremony.

Although the format for this year’s celebration differs from last year by taking into account the COVID-19 situation as well as the Early Endemic Phase, however, the spirit of patriotism remains apparent in the new normals. Some 4,000 participants joined the parade and performance in yesterday morning’s celebration which carries the theme ‘Menjayakan Wawasan Negara’ or Accomplishing the National Vision.

His Majesty’s presence at the ceremony further enhanced the patriotism of the country’s citizens and residents in accomplishing Wawasan Brunei 2035.

Upon arrival His Majesty was greeted by Yang Berhormat Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, Minister of Culture Youth and Sports, as the Chairman of the 38th National Day Celebration Executive Committee; and members of the celebration’s executive committee.

In attendance were His Majesty’s sons and brother,

– His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office;

– His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen;

– And, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah.

The ceremony began with His Majesty inspecting the Guard of Honour mounted by personnel of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and Royal Brunei Police Force.

The celebration focuses on the theme ‘Menjayakan Wawasan Negara’ emphasizing on all levels of society, especially youths in together playing a role towards realising the Wawasan Negara or national vision.

The march past was participated by eight groups comprising some 3,800 participants led by the large-sized National Flag Bearers, oath readers, bearers of the medium-sized national flag and the 38th National Day logo flag.

This was followed by the National Peace Group comprising the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Police Force, Uniformed Government Groups, the Prisons Department Serunai and Tambur Team as well as other uniformed groups.

Also participating in the parade were the Bestari Community Group comprising the differently-abled, OKU, Senior Citizens and the seven Brunei ethnic groups.

Full of patriotism, the Public Sector Team comprising various ministries, government departments and several Government Bodies also participated in the parade.

As a sector that plays an important role in developing the country’s economy, the Private Sector also generated jobs for the locals as well as exploring business sectors.

In line with its role to improve education in the country, the Education Sector, a combination of Government and Private Higher Education Institutions, strives to develop the society’s potential to the highest level.

The participation of the Farmers, Livestock Breeders and Fishermen’s Team reflected their patriotism to the monarch and the country.

The Public Movement Group comprising the Community Team is a combination of associations and organisations, reflecting the community’s unity in carrying out its responsibilities to produce a competitive, dynamic and progressive society.

Also taking part was the Professional and General Association Team, as the generator to the requirement for professional manpower in socio-economic and cultural development.

The Public Movement Group involved the combined Friendly Countries Team that also plays a role in safeguarding the national peace and prosperity of the community.

The parade was also enlivened with the country’s cyclists and inline skater’s parade.

The final participant, the COVID-19 Frontliners Group is a combination of various agencies including youth volunteers who are always ready to come forward during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The reading of the National Day Oath was led by Awang Muhammad Abdul Wafi bin Haji Sofian, Head of the COVID-19 Youth Volunteer Operations Management Center Secretariat. The National Day oath readers comprise 38 youths from various backgrounds, including the differently-abled.

This was followed by the 3 calls of Allahu Akhbar led by Awang Haji Abdul Afiq bin Zainuddin, Teacher at Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Religious School, Kuala Belait.

The Patriotic Song performance entitled ‘Berat sama dipikul, ringan sama dijinjing’ by 2,500 participants was the culmination of the Grand Assembly.

The solid cooperation of all parties in making the historic celebration a success is a symbol of high patriotism as a prosperous and respected nation.

Source: Radio Television Brunei