| Azaraimy HH |
“JOINING the military is not only rewarding, but it also provides a bright future if you are truly into it,” said 51970 Rec (L) Ahmad Azri Sallehin bin Haji Mohd Salleh, when asked by the Weekend Bulletin what advice he had for individuals keen on joining the armed forces.
The 19-year-old was yesterday named ‘Best Overall Recruit’ of the 158th intake of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) during a passing-out parade at the RBAF Training Institute, marking the conclusion of the recruits’ Basic Military Training (BMT).
Ahmad Azri Salleh said it was his childhood dream to be in the armed forces, which strongly motivated him during the training period.
“Most young people may be reluctant to join the military because of the common perception that the training will be tough,” he said, adding, “Those who wish to join should do so for the discipline, physical training and so on. It is not daunting as many would think, but a rewarding experience.”
A total of 156 male recruits took part in the passing-out parade in the presence of Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the Ministry of Development cum chief guest Haji Muhd Lutfi bin Abdullah.
Also in attendance were RBAF Commander Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, services commander; acting services commander; commandants; senior officers; and other ranks of the RBAF.
At the ceremony, Haji Muhd Lutfi inspected the parade, delivered a speech and presented awards to those who performed and achieved excellence during the course of the training.
The chief guest presenting 51970 Rec (L) Ahmad Azri Sallehin bin Haji Mohd Salleh with the Best Overall Recruit award
Award recipients at the ceremony
Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the Ministry of Development cum chief guest Haji Muhd Lutfi bin Abdullah with the top military brass at the event. – PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH
The award recipients were 17661 Corporal Md Zailani bin Sahlan for Best Male Instructor; 51970 Rec (L) Ahmad Azri Sallehin bin Haji Mohd Salleh for Best Overall Recruit; 51909 Rec Mohd Nor Asrin bin Abdul Rahim for Best in Small Arms Training; 51846 Rec Mohd Bakri bin Yossli for Best in Physical Training; 51923 Rec (U) Khairul Amirul bin Mohd Adnani for Best Military Skills; and 15222 Sgt Hazman bin Haji Johari for Best Male Platoon Sergeant.
In his speech, Haji Muhd Lutfi quoted the new year’s titah of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, stating “Peace is important, because without it, development cannot take place. For that, it is paramount that peace be preserved and continued by maintaining religious faith, abiding by the law, as well as living in harmony and solidarity. This is the secret to achieving peace.”
In that titah, His Majesty also stressed that the Brunei Vision 2035 goals can only be accomplished by practising Bruneian values based on the concept of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB), particularly those entrusted with the duty of safeguarding the country’s security and stability.
“These are the Bruneian values that must be upheld and preserved for the survival of Brunei Darussalam,” he said.
“As for the Ministry of Development, Insya Allah, we will continue to provide the socio-economic infrastructure to enhance the quality of life by handling issues on environment and the management of resources. This is in line with the Ministry of Development’s vision, which is ‘Quality of Life, Continuous Development, National Prosperity’.”
He also highlighted the importance of the RBAF’s collaboration with the Ministry of Development and other related agencies, to ensure that all land use programmes, including contingencies programmes, are in step with current and future development projects.
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