Early Preparations For Nation's Silver Jubilee
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - On February 23, 2009, Brunei Darussalam will mark its Silver Jubilee of nationhood, and to better prepare for the celebration of 25 years of independence, the first Steering Committee meeting for the celebration took place at the Dewan Di-Gadong of Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports yesterday.

Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Awang Haji Mohammad bin Haji Daud, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, who chaired the meeting, said in his opening remarks: "One of the encouraging developments of the 24th National Day celebration was the increased involvement of schools, villages and Mukim nationwide in holding their own National Day celebrations. This should be continued and encouraged, especially among schoolchildren who need to 17e inculcated with the love for the nation."

He said, "The celebration at schools, villages and Mukim level do not have to he large. The event just has to focus on three things - raising of the national flag, the national anthem and the reading of National Day Oath."

The minister added. "The first Steering Committee meeting for the 2009 National Day was organised early to better prepare for the Silver Jubilee National Day Celebration which will be even grander than the previous National Day celebrations. The (upcoming) celebration will also be moved to another suitable location.

"During the meeting, we will discuss suggestions on the theme of the 25th National Day. I have carefully studied the suggestions as well as the meanings of the themes for 25th National Day and agree that the theme should be simple yet meaningful symbolising the maturity of the nation in (achieving) security, harmony and peace that have benefited the nation in building a quality life in 25 years of independence:"

Dato Paduka Awang Haji Jemat Bin Haji Ampai, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, presented a report on the 241h National Day celebration, saying that this year's celebration went smoothly thanks to the cooperation from all parties involved.

"Especially the field performance which was perfect, well organised and smooth. With the practice and support from all the participants who have worked hard in any weather condition, we were able to watch a field performance that we can be proud of."

In the report on 24th National Day celebration, the Permanent Secretary said, "Half of the invitees did not turn up for the celebration this year. To overcome the problem, it was suggested that for next year, there will be no quota for invitations so that lower-ranked officers can also be invited to fill the seating. Similar with last year, members of the public will also be invited to fill the seats."

He also revealed a proposal to take action against companies that failed to inform the secretariat of their inability to supply props at the last-minute, which caused problems for the secretariat. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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