Bandar Seri Begawan - The success of yesterday's 29th National Day celebration did not go unnoticed among the thousands of spectators, both local and non-local, who watched the events unfold to mark the anniversary of the country's independence.

Among those who were happy with the day's events, according to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports yesterday, was His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam who was accompanied by other members of the royal family in the capital for the auspicious commemoration.

In an interview following the event, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah said: "I think His Majesty was very, very happy especially with the participation of the people," referring to not just those involved in the parade and performances but also those who came to unite for the country's independence anniversary

"You can see how the field was filled up by the public along with the participation from all sectors of Brunei Darussalarn, which indicates the success of the celebration," he added, referring to the hundreds of people from all walks of life who gathered early in the morning in a show of support for the country's National Day.

"Our people, especially the youths are now becoming more aware of the importance of national independence and sovereignty."

As next year will see the marking of three decades of independence, he said, "The 30th anniversary is going to be a very, very significant event".

The country will take the opportunity to reflect on what has already been achieved and, "what is to be done for the years to come, especially in planning the participation of youths and national development progress," to be in line with the country's chairing of Asean this year that carries the theme 'Our People, Our Future Together', which was announced by His Majesty last year as Brunei took over the Chair from Cambodia.

"This is where our youths play a significant role in upholding and in realising the Brunei Vision 2035 and also in bringing and realising Brunei Darussalam as a Negara Zikir," he said.