BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

ORGANISERS have started preparations for next year’s National Day celebrations, with the theme “Generation with a Vision” set to be used again.

During first Executive Committee Meeting for the 31st National Day celebrations yesterday, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports said the committee has agreed to keep the theme until the time is ripe to change it.

As the committee’s chairman, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah said the theme was still relevant based on His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s titah.

However, the minister said next year’s celebrations, which will take place at Taman Hj Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, might differ from this year but this still required elaborate preparations.

“Considering how fast time can pass by, I hope every party will take proactive measures to ensure the preparations are smooth.

“These include the complete preparations of props, publicity and logistics such as the selection of the food suppliers and vehicle renting affairs – that can be handled well,” he added.

The minister said 22 committee members have been appointed. A statement said the members were tasked with making preparations and will be chaired by Permanent Secretary of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid Hj Mohd Jaafar.

The ministry’s statement stated that the meeting aimed to plan the National Day meticulously to mobilise the support of the community.

The meeting also discussed sectoral activities that can promote patriotism by appreciating the nation’s heritage related to the Malay language, Jawi calligraphy as well as customs and traditions.

YB Pehin Dato Hj Hazair further said it was vital to hold onto the principle of enlivening the National Day celebrations.

“Every National Day celebration has a deep impact on people to defend their beloved nation’s sovereignty,” he said.

“What’s evidently clear is that these celebrations reflect the solidarity and unity of the people, fostering love and loyalty to their country and His Majesty,” he added. The minister went on to say this year’s celebration had lived up to the theme due to the generation’s performance that displayed the spirit of Bruneians from all walks of life, especially students.

“We are so proud and overwhelmed with the patriotism of the highest standard shown by them on that day.”

Members who convened at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium for the meeting included Chief of Adat Istiadat YAM Pg Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pg Anak Hj Abd Aziz Pg Jaya Negara Pg Hj Abu Bakar, Grand Chamberlain YAM Pg Penggawa Laila Bentara Istiadat Diraja Dalam Istana Pg Hj Alauddin Pg Paduka Tuan Pg Hj Abu Bakar, and other senior government officials.

The Brunei Times