Brunei’s Subdued National Day Displays SE Asia’s Rich Cultural Heritage
[Information Department]
Brunei proceeded with National Day parade despite soaring covid cases, saw more than 3,000 people took part in annual celebrations to mark sultanate’s independence.
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei’s capital city, celebrated its 38th National Day celebrations despite an unprecedented surge in Omicron cases, with the size of the annual parade scaled down significantly.
In its most recent press statement prior to the celebration, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports said children aged 12 and below will not be allowed to attend the National Day parade and all attendees must be fully vaccinated against covid.
With only 230 seats reserved for members of the public, the parade was joined by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other members of the royal family in honouring covid-19 front liners for the second year in a row.
Other restrictions were also put in place to ensure public safety, such as mandatory ART test.
On the eve of national day, the monarch delivered his annual titah, which highlighted the progress and challenges the country has faced during 38 years of independence.
“The coronavirus outbreak has tested our patience and the country’s capability to curb this pandemic,” His Majesty said.
“We recognise that economic recovery also requires precautionary measures, such as easing restrictions that previously affected economic activity and forced public and private sectors to adopt the use of information technology in daily life.
“This accelerated the need for us to strengthen digital transformation to ensure that the new normal can be implemented effectively,” he said.
The sultan also outlined the country’s most significant achievements, including the construction of the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge which connects Brunei-Muara with Temburong.
His Majesty added that the Temburong District Development Authority has been established to plan projects — such as large-scale agriculture and eco-tourism — to spur economic development of the once-isolated district.
Source: Scoop Media Limited
