Getting ready for National Day
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

Countdown to 2004's National Day has begun and at present, organisers are busy conducting meetings to ensure the success of this auspicious day.

It will be held under the twinkling stars at Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas next February 23.

Last Thursday, a gathering chaired by Hj Khalid Hj Ghazali was held at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports complex, which was also attended by various sub-committees, government officials and leaders of NGOs as well as prospective contractors vying for projects.

Hj Sumadi Hj Sukaimi, Special Duties Officer at the ministry, delivered a detailed briefing on planned extravaganza performances that may use lasers and other kinds of lighting as well as a display of fireworks to end the night.

Themed "Patriotism the Core for National Strength," the 20th National Day 2004 has been dubbed as an evening of sparkling celebrations.

This is when an estimated 9,000 people comprising uniformed officials, students, youths, members of non-governmental associations and staffs of the private sector are set take part.

Due to an increase in activities, the number of participants has also been enlarged by 3,000 from a previous 6,000, Hj Sumadi said.

He added that it would be divided into six segments that will culminate into a pinnacle of patriotic songs, logo formations and other surprises.

He also talked about varying formats of field performances, the need to employ large decorative balloons, flip-card formations and details on the Bunga Simpur float.

The event will also witness a theatrical display of schoolchildren wearing different costumes such as butterflies, bees, birds, bugs and local kites.

Local musicians will play patriotic and instrumental music.

In the meantime, literary individuals will also join by rendering their heartfelt narration of Syair, Pantun and poems while comedy artistes are going to re-enact some meaningful sketches.

The services of traditional musicians will also be garnered towards playing instruments such as Hadrah, Beduk and Gendang (gongs).

The stadium's billboard will display images of past National Days over the last 19 years that have been taking place at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien.

Only the first celebration took place at another location, Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin