Brunei Darussalam yesterday marked another moment in history with its 39th National Day Grand Assembly at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien in the capital. Gathering more than six thousand and five hundred participants, the ceremony reflected the strong unity and patriotism of the people loyal to the Monarch and country. The glorious event was graced by 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.
His Majesty's presence further strengthened the people's spirit to accomplish Wawasan Brunei 2035.
Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris bin Pengiran Maharaja Lela Pengiran Muda Abdul Kahar, Yang Di-Pertua of Adat Istiadat Negara and Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports as well as members of the celebration's Executive Committee.
Also present 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 'Abdul Mateen;
- His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah;
- and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
The Grand Assembly began with His Majesty inspecting the Guard of Honour mounted by personnel of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, RBAF and the Royal Brunei Police Force, RBPF.
The March Past by seven groups comprising three thousand and nine hundred participants was led by the Head of Parade Group.
It was followed by the National Peace Group comprising the RBAF, RBPF and uniformed Government Teams, Prisons Department, Serunai dan Tambur team and other uniformed organisations.
Also participating was the Bestari Community comprising differently-abled persons, OKU; senior citizens and Brunei's Seven Ethnic Groups.
To accomplish Wawasan 2035, the country's citizens and residents should equip themselves with knowledge and skills.
The Public Sector Group as the catalyst of national development also took part in the parade.
Also taking part was the Private Sector Group.
Seni Silat was performed by national silat exponents while Silat Tari was performed by pupils of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and Pusar Ulak Primary Schools.
The March Past also saw the participation of the Education Sector Group combining Government and Private Institutions of Higher Education.
The Civil Movement Group comprising the combined Associations and Organisations Team also participated.
The last team in the parade was the Excellent Group comprising youth and members of the community who have achieved excellence.
The Oath Readers Group of 39 youth from various backgrounds including OKU was led by Awangku Md Nazirul Mubin bin Pengiran Haji Abdul Rahman, Work Officer at the Ministry of Defence.
The 3 calls of Allah Hu Akhbar was led by Awangku Mohd Sallehin bin Pengiran Haji Liman, Religious Affairs Inspector at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Source: Radio Television Brunei