Bandar Seri Begawan: The spirit of solidarity, patriotism, and loyalty towards the Monarch, religion, and nation were interpreted in the 41st National Day Grand Assembly at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien in the capital on the morning of 23rd February. With the theme 'Bersatu Mencapai Cita Negara,' the event was made successful by nearly 18,000 participants as a symbol of determination in realising the Wawasan Brunei 2035. It was further enlivened with the presence of 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.
According to Radio Television Brunei, the beating of hadrah accompanied by students waving miniature flags welcomed the arrival of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty was greeted by key figures including Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris bin Pengiran Maharaja Lela Pengiran Muda Abdul Kahar, Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara, and Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Nazmi bin Haji Awang Mohamad, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, who served as Chairman of the Celebration's Executive Committee, along with other members of the executive committee.
Accompanying His Majesty were His Majesty's sons 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 Haji Sufri Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah. His Majesty then inspected the Guard of Honour mounted by personnel of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, RBAF, and the Royal Brunei Police Force, RBPF.
Nearly 200 teams participated in the march past, led by the Lead Parade Group comprising the large flag bearers, Oath Readers, and bearers of the Brunei Darussalam Flag and Logo. This was followed by the Uniformed Forces; Uniformed Cadets and Associations; the Public Sector; District Offices and Statutory Bodies.
The 'Permata Bangsa' performance involved approximately 240 primary school pupils, reflecting the beauty of the nation's art and culture rich with tradition and patriotic values. The Education Sector, including Higher Education Institutions, Vocational and Religious Education Institutions, played a vital role in producing educated citizens.
Patriotic song performances from six youths, accompanied by differently-abled students, further enlivened the event. This was followed by a march past by combined groups of Differently-Abled Persons and Senior Citizens; Friendly Nations; National Sports Associations; Community and Youth Associations; as well as General Associations.
Also joining the march past were combined groups from Financial Institutions; Government-Linked Companies; Oil and Gas Industry; Private Companies; and the 7 Ethnic Groups.