‘SympForium' to awaken patriotic spirit
By Malai Hassan Othman

Brunei's 20th National Day Main Committee has endorsed the initiative of the newly established pro tem Business Development Council to stage a series of symposium cum forum and other related activities aimed at awakening the patriotic spirit of the nation.

The 20th National Day celebrations will be observed with substantive soul searching in the form of symposiums and forums.

The aim is to summon or recall the patriotic spirit in the people that has placed the nation where it is now. The patriotism must be strengthened to bring the nation to greater prosperity and tranquility in the next 20 years and beyond.

The theme of the 20th National Day Celebration, 'Patriotisme Teras Keteguhan Negara' or patriotism the core of national strength, actually speaks volumes on this issue.

The pro tem Business Development Council on the other hand is now empowered to conduct its programmes to reach out to the nation through its symposium and forums.

"I am pleased to report that the Main Committee has endorsed the pro tem Business Development Council to organise the Brunei Business SympForium and other related preliminary and preparatory activities leading to the event," stated Haji Razali bin Johari, the President of the Malay Chambers of Commerce.

The "endorsement" of the council by the Brunei 20th National Day Celebration Main Committee was announced by Haji Razali at the meeting of the pro tem Business Council.

"After a lengthy debate and careful analysis, it was unanimously agreed that the word 'endorsement' was to be taken as a more than go ahead and a positive signal of "empowering" the private sector," commented Awang Haji Razali.

"The word endorsed is a very positive word for us to go ahead with the programme. We can therefore be confident of the support of all governing, facilitating and regulatory agencies to expedite the many processes. We still have to comply with all the requirements and procedures to hold such a big and important event. But with the "endorsement" of the Main Committee chaired by a minister and represented by many government authorities, we are confident we will get the advice and support necessary to make the event happen," said Haji Razali.

The pro tem council approved the holding of five preliminary workshops and five preparatory workshops prior to the big event which is a one and one half day "Finale".

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

Hj Sumadi Hj Sukaimi, Special Duties Officer at the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports, in a recent meeting talked about the planned performances that may use lasers and other kinds of lighting as well as a display of fireworks to end the night.

According to Haji Sumadi, the number of participants has also been increased by 3,000 from a previous 6,000 due to an increase in activities.

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.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin