Youth Express Gratitude, Pride Of Country
By Dewi Mohd Sofri and Husin Ismail

Bandar Seri Beagawan - Young Bruneians were bursting with a sense of patriotism and national pride as they actively took part yesterday in the celebrations to mark the sultanate's 23rd National Day anniversary.

"Standing here, watching the crowds and being part of the National Day celebrations give me a positive feeling - something like being on top of the world," said 18-year-old Mastura Bakir.

She said she is grateful for being a Bruneian.

Peaceful is also how Alim, a secondary Five student from SOAS College, describes his country.

"Brunei is ruled by a just and caring Sultan and I feel privileged to be born a Bruneian," he said.

"Once I finish my `O' Levels, I wish to join the army and serve the country. I also hope that they will. send me to continue my 'A' Levels," said Alim who was there as part of the Boys Scout contingent in the National Day Parade.

Nurhashimah Tengah, from Kampong Saba Darat, said she is proud of what the country has achieved over the years.

"Brunei Darussalam has been developing quickly since independence 23 years ago. Even though I'm just 19 years old, history tells me that we are moving quick in terms of technology and modernisation," said Nurhashimah who wants to specialise in IT.

Asked what celebrating National Day meant to her, Nurhashimah said it is about living without fear of riots, having lots of freedom and living in a harmonious community.

She added that she "feels safer being in the country" everytime she returns' from overseas or any neighbouring countries.

"That is what 'I think independence is all about," she said.

"I would be happier if I could contribute something meaningful to the nation's development and improving the standard of living here has been my ambition, and it could started from my own family lifestyles.”

Others like Mastura put a premium on the capability of the Government to provide for the citizens' needs.

"Since I was a kid, in general, my personal_ welfare was properly taken care of especially with the convenience of the free medical services that are available in the sultanate," Mastura said.

"I am proud to be a Bruneian because Brunei is a peaceful country, everyone is friendly and His Majesty's Government is generous enough to pay for our medical necessities and education," said 17-year-old Izyan who was there as part of the welcoming hadrah group.

Brought up in Kampong Kianggeh, Mastura observed the drastic development of the country over the past 10 years, the most obvious being in the communications fields.

"When I was about seven years old, there was no mobile phone access for me and for most people in the country, but nowadays, even the primary students have their own mobile phones and for me that is more than advanced," Mastura said.

"National Day is a happy day for Brunei because it's the day of celebrating our independence. This means that we are free to establish relations with other countries without the control of foreign policy," said Izyan.

Previously a Hadrah Society member at Science College, 15-year-old Amal, a Bruneian currently taking her A' Levels at Tunku Jaafar College, Negeri Sembilan Malaysia, was caught with her former schoolmates standing outside the main entrance to the Taman.

"I have never followed the National Day celebrations," said 15-year-old Amal.

"So although I'm no longer a student at Science College, I decided to join my friends (at the college this year,'' she said.

“I’m on holiday but am filled with patriotic enthusiasm. I don't mind the hours of rehearsals. This is a true Bruneian spirit as I want to experience the feeling of being involved in the National Day celebrations," said Amal who is an aspiring optometrist.

Habil Awang Masri who was present just to witness the celebrations with his fiance said he had always wanted to be part of the uniformed personnel in the march past.

"It's just so cool to perform for His Majesty especially for celebrations like these that everyone wants to see," said Habil.

"I can imagine how tiring it can be, but with the patriotism which I believe everyone has for this occasion, joy can come first especially having His Majesty and the Royals on stage," he added.

"I remember when my grandfather talked about the first National Day declarations; he came into tears when the takbir announced Brunei's independence. Furthermore, he said that, if everyone went through the good and bad experiences they had fighting for independence, they will be more appreciative to be part of the National Day celebrations," said Habil. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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