Brunei Ready For 21st National Day Celebration
By Azrol Azmi

Bandar Seri Begawan - Rehearsals for the 21st National Day celebration are in full swing and this year's theme is "Bersepadu Memperkasa Mandiri Bangsa" or"Together We Strengthen National Self reliance".

Full dress rehearsals are scheduled on February 17 and 19 with the final one on February 21 at the Taman Haji Sir Omar Ali Saifuddien.

Awang Haji Jemat bin Haji Ampal, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, in his capacity as the Chairman for the 21st National Day celebration committee, addressed a press conference yesterday.

He focused on the three main events: the religious, mass gathering celebration and side events.

He said the 'Doa Kesyukuran' will be held on Tuesday (February 22,) at 5.45 pm in mosques with the main ceremony at the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital.

On February 23, there will be a mass gathering at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien and will start at 7.30 am.

Side events planned include the National Day Exhibition, Bersama Insan Istimewa, Book Fair 2005, National Day seminars, Secondary Schools and College Patriotic Choir Competition, an oratory competition, National 4x4 Challenge 2005 and many more, according to Awg Haji Jemat.

To meet the public's need to watch the celebration live, a special grandstand for 1,500 people has been constructed on the west side of the Taman.

Awg Haji Jemat said due to the limited capacity of the grandstand, he urged people to come as early as possible.

Pengiran Seri Wijaya Pa Haji Ahmad, in-charge for Protocol and Guest Invitation, said invitations have been sent out.

Recipients are urged to send their RSVP as soon as possible. He also urged the guests to wear proper attire.

Pengiran Seri Wijaya Pg Haji Ahmad said guests are urged to bring their invitation cards to secure their seats and not to bring children.

Awang Haji Sumadi briefed on the concepts and parade formats for the National Day celebration and the grand finale.

Haji Bujang bin Masu'ut, Director of Information, urged the public to hoist the national flag during the celebration period.

He reminded media personnel and photographers to adhere to rules and regulations.

Awang Haji Ali, representing as the Chairman for transport, said shuttle bus services will be available at the Jame Asr' Mosque and Seri Complex to pick up the public and bring them to a dropping point in the capital near the Taman.

He said 8,000 students from the four districts will converge on the Taman. He said 200 buses would be used during the celebration.

Senior Inspector Awang Muhammad bin Ahmad, representing the traffic and security, said there would be road closures as early as 6.30 am on the celebration day at Jalan Elizabeth II, Jln Pemancha, Jln Robert and a part of Jalan Sultan.

Jalan Residency, Mc Arthur, Jalan Bendahara and Jalan Pretty would be closed to the public from 7 am, but will be open for invited guests.

Shuttle services and buses bringing in performers are urged to show their car passes when using these roads.

Sur Inspector Awang Muhammad said parking spaces have been provided at Yayasan, Lapau, Royal Regalia, Jalan Stoney, Jalan Kianggeh, Multi-Storey car park, and PGGMB building. Parking spaces are also available for the public at the Seri Complex area, Jarne Asr' Mosque area and Jalan Residency.

He also urged the public to pool their cars to avoid traffic congestion.

He said the public should take care of their belongings when leaving their cars and not to leave any valuable items inside. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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