| Hakim Hayat |
THE Acting Minister of Defence, First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit said Brunei Darussalam remains committed to maintain the welfare of its military veterans, in tandem with the developmental target set in the government’s Vision in 2035 to achieve a high quality of life for its people.
While officiating the 29th Veterans Confederation of Asean Countries (Veconac) Board Meeting and 16th General Assembly yesterday, First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz also remarked that the Organisation of Retired Armed Forces Personnel established in 1992 and led by distinguished former military personnel, who have brought progress in the national defence front, has continued to be an active player and significant contributor to nation-building and social cohesion.
“Their experience, knowledge and skill-sets make them an important asset to the country even beyond retirement. Their sense of responsibility in protecting the nation is enduring even after active service, and this is harnessed towards advocating the importance of discipline, patriotism and loyalty to the younger generations,” he further remarked during the ceremony held at The Centrepoint Hotel in Jalan Gadong.
He also praised the work being done by Veconac over the years in promoting military veteran welfare, but also in continuously elevating the confederation’s outreach and profile in this region, which he said well reflects the aspiration of Asean diversity, unity and cohesiveness.
He said Veconac offers access and platform to establish links, share experience and best practices, and as on outlet to expand their contribution in their cause and purpose. “Through the years, the footprints of Veconac’s work and initiatives have touched the lives and crossed the paths of so many people,” he added, while hoping that this can be sustained in order to contribute to regional peace and stability.
The Acting Minister of Defence, First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit presenting the award to one of the recipients.
Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, Commander of the RBAF affixing the Veconac Medal of Honour on Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Ibnu Ba’asith bin Pengiran Datu Penghulu Pengiran Haji Apong. – PHOTOS: PG FAIROL RMF
With over five million members since inception in 1980, the confederation aims to promote cooperation among military veterans organisations in Asean member countries to further increase prosperity of its members in the field of socio economy as well as status.
President of Veconac Lt General Hsan Oo in his speech noted that the previous meeting held in Yangon, Myanmar came up with resolutions, draft resolutions and draft recommendations in their effort to establish a forum and platform in addressing common issues that are relevant. He said several issues were resolved within the confederation while the rest was forwarded to the attention of the Asean Secretariat for their action and hopes that the five-day meeting in Brunei will bring about more in depth discussions and resolutions.
The ceremony yesterday also saw the conferment of the Veconac Medal of Honour for the first time to nine individuals in six Asean member countries – Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The medal is awarded in appreciation of their dedicated performance and duties carried out in protecting the interests of the organisation.
The Bruneian recipient of the Medal of Honour was Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Ibnu Ba’asith bin Pengiran Datu Penghulu Pengiran Haji Apong.
He, along with eight other recipients was also awarded the Veconac Honorary President title yesterday, for his dedication and selfless service towards the promotion of peace and stability in Asean that has positively contributed great extent to the welfare and lives of veterans in the region.
Presenting the medals were the Acting Minister of Defence and also the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah.
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