Performances Impress Foreign Diplomats
By Shareen Han

Bandar Seri Begawan - Foreign diplomats in Brunei gave rave reviews for this year's National Day celebrations, describing them as inspiring and well-executed performance from the youth participants.

"I am proud to be here as a diplomat, as I (have just witnessed) a wonderful performance, it was very nice," said Laos Ambassador to Brunei, HE Somdy Bounkhoum, who experienced Brunei's National Day celebrations for the first time.

He told The Brunei Times that the march past and field performance were well-organised, but celebrations are different compared to Laos, as a big National Day celebration with more people involved is held once every five years.

Bounkhoum said that this year's National Day theme of Tunas Bangsa was "very meaningful" because it looked forward to the future generations and the important role they play in the country's development.

"The well-presented performance showed how well-disciplined and well-rehearsed the participants were," said Major General (Rtd) Syed Haider Jawed, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Brunei.

He remarked that the chosen theme is "futuristic", as it sets out the goals or direction to the people, and to see youth participants in the field performances were motivating and inspiring.

National Day celebrations in Pakistan are similar because hard work is put in to express love and affection for the country, he added.

"I hope that brothers and sisters of Brunei will continue to prosper and achieve progress in the years to come," the Pakistani High Commissioner said.

"It was a great ceremony, rejoiceful and done in high spirits," said Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Hashimoto Itsuo.

The ambassador, who was witnessing the celebrations for the second time, said that it is difficult to make comparisons from last year because there were more participants this year.

Close to 20,000 people from various communities were involved in yesterday’s celebrations.

He said that it was a great idea to choose the theme which embraces the importance of youths as they are the ones that will continue to maintain the peace and tranquility of the country in the future. Dr Ruth Adler, the Australian High Commissioner, said it was a spectacular and beautiful performance, and it seemed to be getting better each year.

She said that even though Australia does not have a big parade to commemorate Australia Day, celebrations across local communities’ still take place. Foreign expatriate Tareq Muhmood described the performances as energetic and inspiring. The HSBC chief executive officer said it is good to see the different communities involved in the celebrations. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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