Together for growth, national dev't

A BURNING passion and an assertive attitude is needed for development and this behaviour and thinking needs to be present in every Bruneian regardless of age or race, said Abdul Muizz Moktar who led the oath recital at the 28th National Day celebration yesterday.

The 26-year-old shared with The Brunei Times that both the youth and adults who possess this "waiting" attitude will not go far.

"We are all the 'machinery' that will help move forward the country's economy and development and bring it to the world."

"There is one line in the oath that calls for us to give back and serve the country and be willing to make sacrifices to defend the good name of the country," Abdul Muizz said sharing a line from the oath that he had read.

"The oath also calls for us to contribute in national development so that we will be recognised worldwide," added Abdul Muizz.

"As we move towards development we should not forget and stray away from the Zikir Nation concept and follow closely the teachings of the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah," Abdul Muizz further said.

Commenting on the oath recital, Abdul Muizz said it is important (as part of the National Day celebration) because of meaning found in the content of the oath.

"I feel very proud to have been chosen to lead the oath recital and I feel very lucky as a Bruneian to be chosen to lead the oath reading," said Abdul Muizz.

He said that he feels the task he was given is a big responsibility as he is relied upon to lead the oath reading passionately for others to follow. If he is not confident in reading out the oath it would effect how people would follow after him and respond to the oath, Abdul Muizz explained.

"National Day is the event where we come together, it is not just any celebration, it is the celebration that portrays our patriotism," Abdul Muizz said. "Rain or shine, we show our willingness to make sacrifices as one nation."

Abdul Muizz was chosen to lead the oath recital because he had won oratory and debate competitions when he was still studying in school. "I was also active in syair (poem) recital," he shared.

Among the first to enter the field were 180 flag bearers who proudly carried the nation's beloved flag, the symbol of Brunei's sovereignty, and flags bearing the 28th National Day logo.

The flag bearers, dressed in navy dark blue Baju Cara Melayu, comprised mainly recruits from the Training Institute of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (TI RBAF) and Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF).

Being a flag bearer for the first time, a recruit at the TI RBAF, Muhammad Aliuddin commented on the pride he felt to be able to take part in the celebration.

"For me personally, I feel grateful to be involved in this special event. Brunei is a peaceful country and I feel proud (to participate)," said the flag bearer.

Carrying the national flag in front of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the flag bearers proceeded to take position in all four corners of the field as they stood in pride, holding the flags up.

The Brunei Times