A Show Of Patriotism
By P Marilyn & Amin Hosni

Bandar Seri Begawan - To many, young or old alike in Brunei Darussalam, National Day is seen as the day where the citizens from all the four districts gather together to show their patriotism to the country by participating in the celebration.

Yesterday, teachers and students, members of youth associations, uniform personnel and others gathered at the capital city to be part of the celebration.

Speaking to the Bulletin, On Shin Shin and Dyg Nurhafizah of Tutong Youth Community Club were both excited and proud to be out participating in the marching event, as this was the first time for them.

"Being out here portrays our love and commitment to our country, be it rain or shine," said the two young ladies.

They believed the involvement of young people in youth programmes such as "Programme Belia Cinta Tanahair" will instil patriotic qualities in them as such programmes educate a great deal on Brunei and its customs.

Dk Siti Nurmasramadiah bte Pg Nikman, a secondary four student of Sekolah Menengah Hassan, Bangar also shared the same view.

She saw the National Day as a celebration of Brunei's independence day and was a time for the Bruneian community to display their patriotism and contribute to the Sultanate, despite the hot weather.

"Coming all the way from Temburong, under the hot scorching weather, demonstrates the patriotic role played by our students," said Cikgu Edan Anak Juti of Sekolah Menengah Hassan, Bangar.

"They are proud to be here," she added.

Meanwhile, Cikgu Khuzaimah Hj Abd Ghafar of Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masnah Secondary School believed that teachers are important role models to instil patriotic qualities in students.

Her student, Dk Hjh Dara Hamimmah, saw National Day as a day where everybody is proud to be a Bruneian. "I feel proud to be able to participate in our National Day celebration. The weather is hot but it's ok because we are doing it for the country," she added.

Sheikh Abas bin Sheikh Mohamad, one of the marchers during yesterday's celebration told the

Bulletin that National Day is a depiction of how we are all united and proud to be Bruneians.

"Just our presence of being out here every year portrays our patriotism and loyalty to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam," he added.

An exchange student from Japan who is currently studying in Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) also spoke to the Bulletin expressing her amazement at the number of people taking part in the National Day ceremony. "They must really love their country to be out here marching and performing," said 19-year old Yukie Arai.

Dato Paduka Dr Haji Abdul Latif Hj Ibrahim, Chairman of the Paraplegic and Handicap Association Brunei Darussalam said that National Day meant a lot to him and that, "To celebrate each year is great and at the same time I enjoy the success in the economy development. I am grateful to His Majesty for caring for his people especially the special people and people in need." -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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