The 35th National Day was celebrated today with the Grand Assembly participated by more than 30 thousand people from all walks of life in the country. Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien in the capital was the focal point of the event. 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 joined the country's citizens and residents in the celebration which carries the theme, "Menjayakan Wawasan Negara" or Accomplishing the Wawasan Negara. It is a call for the people to unite and work together towards realising the national vision, "Wawasan Negara 2035".

The happiness and excitement of celebrating the National Day reflect the people's love and loyalty to the Monarch and country.  His Majesty's presence was a boost to the participants and rejuvenates their determination, refreshes noble values and strengthens their nationalism.  The beat of the Hadrah echoed as His Majesty arrived.  Students from government and private schools waving miniature National Flags added a sense of commitment to the nation and the Monarch who leads it.

Upon arrival at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien, His Majesty was greeted by Yang Berhormat (Retired) Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports as Chairman of the celebration's Executive Committee.  Also welcoming His Majesty were the committee members.

Also in attendance were His Majesty's son and brothers,

- 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 Malik;

- His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen;

- His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Wakeel who also participated in the march-past;

- His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah;

- His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; and

- His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.

His Majesty was then duly invited to inspect the Guard of Honour mounted by personnel of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and Royal Brunei Police Force.  35 years of independence is not a short period and the challenges posed by the changing political climate, and the era of economic and social globalisation are many.  However, with His Majesty's strong and visionary leadership, the government has managed to strengthen the country's socio-political climate.  The country's citizens and residents continue to enjoy well-being, prosperity and security, which will help the nation to achieve Wawasan Brunei 2035.

'Menjayakan Wawasan Negara' is the National Day theme this year.  It places a holistic emphasis on all the people, especially the youth to play a role towards realising the Wawasan Negara 2035.

The Grand Assembly began with the march past led by the large-size National flag bearer's team.  It symbolised the country's sovereignty and identity as well as the unity of the people.

147 teams comprising more than 25 thousand participants took part in the march past which was divided into 15 clusters namely National Security, Bestari Community, Civil Service, Socio-Economy, Post-Secondary Education, Secondary Education, Private Education, Mosque Takmir, Professional Associations, Youth Movement, Women's Movement, Sports Associations, General Associations, General Community and the Generation with a Vision team.

In the titah in conjunction with this year's National Day, His Majesty reminds the people of their obligations and roles in realising the Wawasan Negara 2035.  His Majesty says the country places high hopes on the young generation to lead the country's development in a proactive way.  According to the Monarch the hope has been fulfilled gradually with the youth showing encouraging achievements in entrepreneurship, economic and social fields.

This year's main attraction was the "Gerak Cergas" Towards Wawasan negara 2035 performance by a combination of 388 National Service Program, PKBN participants and 350 primary school pupils.  The performance highlighted the young generation's role in upholding the nation's independence and development in order to achieve the status of Brunei Darussalam as a developed nation by 2035.

The performance was followed by a march past by 78 teams comprising institutes of higher education, colleges, schools, associations, public organisations, foreign associations and the Generation with A Vision team.

His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Wakeel was among the Jerudong International School students taking part in the private education cluster.

In the National Day titah, His Majesty calls for efforts to be increased to encourage youth to engage in entrepreneurship, economic and social fields until they are really capable of working together with the government.  His Majesty stresses the need for government agencies to further activate their role as the facilitators with strong infrastructure, transparent and simple regulations as well as the solid support and cooperation of all stakeholder agencies in providing assistance and guidance. 

The reading of the National Day Oath was led Dr. Muhammad Nuriskandar bin Mohammad Hasnan, President of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam's Guild of Graduates.  This year's pledge proclamation team was also joined by 35 youths comprising officers of the Civil Service, the private sector, associations and Differently Abled Persons.

The call of "Allah Hu Akhbar" was led by Muhammad Yadiy bin Haji Mat Yassin, a PhD student in Arabic Language, Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University.

With strong patriotism, the determination to strengthen unity down to the grassroots level will be easier to achieve and enhanced with the wise leadership of the country's beloved Monarch and leader.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by Brudirect

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