Media Briefed On 23rd N-Day Celebrations
By Suria Rina PHA

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam will celebrate its 23,d National Day next week, and this year more than 16,000 participants will be involved on the big day. Carrying this year's theme of "Commitment Empowering The Nation's Capabilities" the historical celebration will take place at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien in the capital.

Several announcements concerning the upcoming celebration were made yesterday afternoon by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dato Paduka Hj Jemat bin Hj Ampal in a press conference held at the Ministry's premises in Jalan Kebangsaan.

Dato Paduka Hj Jemat said that on February 22, mass Maghrib prayers will be held throughout the nation. The prayers will be followed by the recitation of Surah Yassin and a thanksgiving prayer. The nationwide prayers will commence by 6pm with the focal points being the main mosques located throughout the country.

Dato Paduka Hj Jemat then presented to the media a description of the 23"d National Day Logo. He said that the symbol of three images in the logo reflect the three generations (Gold Citizens, Youth and Children) who are "actively developing the race and nation with selfidentification on the nation's philosophy". The orangecoloured circle symbolises the race's solidarity while the crest symbolises the nation's sovereignty. Positioned on top of the logo, the crest reflects the nation's wholeness. The green background meanwhile symbolises a harmonious nation.

This year 112 teams will participate in the 23rd National Day celebration, said Dato Paduka Hj Jemat. Teams include the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Royal Brunei Police Force, uniformed personnel, ministries and government departments, special teams, districts, private sector organisations, schools, teams carrying the 23`d National Day Logo and National Day Flags, as well as other associations.

Dato Paduka Hj Jemat added that the "Full-Dress Rehearsal" will be held on February 20, starting at 8am. Meanwhile, a Joint Exercise is scheduled to take place on February 17 and 21, also starting at Sam. This will be followed by the "Mass Parade Exercise" to be held on February 22, starting at the same time. Members of the public are welcome to witness the Mass Parade Exercise and are advised to sit at the allocated seats at the grandstand, which can accommodate at least 2,000 people. -

Mini flags will also be distributed to the members of the public seated at the grandstand on the day of the mass parade exercise.

Speaking on the Mass Parade on February 24, Dato Paduka Hj Jemat said that invited guests are expected to arrive by 7.30am. His Majesty and the royal entourage are scheduled to arrive at 8.15am.

Members of the public are meanwhile reminded to hoist ,,he national flag at residences, commercial buildings, shopping complexes and government buildings and are advised not to hoist tom or faded flags.

During the press conference it was also highlighted that all media personnel must wear proper attire. Muslims are required to wear the national dress and non-Muslims, a long suit or dress. Female Muslim media personnel are required to wear the tudung. All media personnel are also advised to monitor their movement and to stand still during the national anthem.

Meanwhile, all invited guests are advised not to bring other family members or uninvited guests during the day so as to avoid seating problems.

Also speaking at yesterday's press conference was Snr Supt Matamit bin Hj Kanak, Deputy Director of Investigations and Traffic Department. To ensure the smooth flow of traffic during the event, he advised all members of the public to give their utmost cooperation by parking their cars at the allocated parking areas.

He added that several roads leading to the capital will be closed. "Only those with car passes issued by Jabatan Adat Istiadat will be allowed in," he said. "Among them are VVIP, Special Invited Guests, Invited Guests and Shuttle Buses."

Members of the public can park their cars at the designated parking areas at Maktab SOAS and the adjoining sports complex area, the Taman Jubli Perak Pusar Ulak parking area and along Jalan Istana Darussalam Sumbiling, Jln Residency and JIn Kampong Kianggeh.

The Investigation and Traffic Department Police also reminded the public to adhere to all the rules and regulations so as to ensure the smooth flow of traffic during the event. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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