Bandar Seri Begawan - Members of the public are urged to show their support and commitment in enlivening the National Day celebrations which begin in just four days.
The call was made by the Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Awang Haji Mohammad bin Hj Daud, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, when he met with the press during the dress rehearsal for the National Day performances at Taman Hj Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddi en yesterday.
The minister said, "We must really show our commitment in supporting efforts, whether by the government, private sector or society, for the harmony of the people and the nation. If asked to hoist the national flag hoist it and show our commitment to enliven the National Day celebrations." He also urged participants of the field performances to show their determination and commitment to make their performances a success.
On the progress of the rehearsals, the minister said, "Rehearsals have run well. We are holding a full dress rehearsal for the second time. It is a satisfactory performance. Although not perfect, (it was) a performance of high quality." A third full rehearsal will be held to rectify anything that was unsatisfactory, he said.
Comparing this year‘s National Day grand performance with last year‘s, the minister said, "The most obvious difference is the involvement of younger participants this year. We are involving schoolchildren in primaries 4, 5 and 6. As many as 1,400 children will come out in the last segment to show the nation‘s ‘tunas‘ or young ones."
The reason for the greater involvement of younger participants is based on the theme of the National Day. "We understand that ‘tunas‘ or young ones is like a seedling and seeds must be sowed and will grow up much like children." He said their involvement will hope fully instill a sense of patriotism from a young age in line with this year‘s theme.
This year, a total of 17,378 people from all levels of society will be taking part in the 24th National Day celebration at the Taman Hj Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien on February 23.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and members of the royal family are expected to attend the grand celebration in the capital.
Following the opening ceremony, patriotic songs will be sung and there will be a variety of field performances.
A total of 75 teams will be taking part in this year‘s celebration.
Spectators will also have the opportunity to have a closer view of the celebration from the sides and outside of the Taman.
Mini national flags will also be distributed to the public on Feb 23.
A full dress rehearsal for the celebration will take place on Feb 20, while an "overall practice" will be held the next day.
Meanwhile, the Bulletin managed to catch up with 34-year-old Hj Mahathir Hj Mokhtar, an Education Officer at the Co-Curriculum Education Department, who will lead more than 17,000 in reading the oath on National Day.
Describing his role as a privilege and an honour, he pledged to do his best in leading the oath reading on National Day. On his preparation for the role, he said the most vital aspect is maintaining his health.
Having represented the country in international activities, Hj Mahathir does not expect to be affected by first-time jitters.
Source: www.brudirect.com (19 Februari 2008)
