Tutong - Poems on independence echoed around Tamu Serambangun, Tutong Sunday night to paint the colour of liberty and the nation‘s sovereignty in an effort to stimulate the spirit of patriotism and nationalism in conjunction with the 24th National Day celebration. Officiated by the Acting Tutong District Officer, Hj Muhd Suffian bin Hj Bungsu, the event was attended by the Director of Language and Literature Bureau, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr Mataim bin Bakar, the organising chairman, members of Legislative Council and senior government officers from the Tutong District, and SEAWrite Awardees.
In his speech, Hj Muhd Suffian called for the population to nurture the spirit of unity, cooperation, and commitment to plan and carry out action that will bring benefit and continuation towards the true definition of independence for the country.
He said the National Day theme of ‘Tunas Bangsa‘ or ‘The Young Generation‘ is right, suitable and in accordance with the age of independence for Brunei Darussalam where the young people will inherit the future generation.
Hj Muhd Suffian stated that poems are a suitable medium to educate and guide the young generation in achieving greater knowledge and experience.
The event was participated by past SEAWrite j vardee, YAM Pengiran Setia Negara Pengiran Haji Mohd Yusof Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahim or Yura Halim who recited Tangisan Terjajah.
Another winner of Thailand‘s SEAWrite Award 1992, A Rahman Yusof recited several verses of syair or traditional poetry.
Poets and readers like Abdullah Tahir, Adi Misere, Dino M N.,Sulaiman Duraman, Artfina, Hj Isyarah Sadri Hj Osman, Insp Md Baharin Shah Hj Abu Bakar, Rohaidah Kinchai, Rahim Dulani and Mas Kelana ignited the spirit of patriotism by reciting poems of independence.
Veteran actors Shafiee Mostar and Pg Hj Md Don Pg Hj Besar tickled the audience with funny quips in the form of sketches that also featured child phenomena Anni Sakinah Snip and Farah Hazwani Hj Suhaili.
Organisations and groups such as RAKIS UBD, Kelab Teater UBD, Grup Pemuisi DBP, Kumpulan Ilham Iqubal, Persatuan Bekas Perajurit, Kumpulan Putra Seni and Warga Puisi Kembara Merdeka glorified the night with group recital of poems and syair.
The event concluded with a grand finale of a group entitled ‘Warge Puisi Kembara Merdeka‘ who recited and play-acted a poem Purih Bangsa (The National Heritage) written by Shukri Zain.
Source: www.brudirect.com (26 Februari 2008)
