| Abdul Hakiim Yakof |
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, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam graced the dinner ceremony hosted by retired officers of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) yesterday night at the Royal Berkshire Hall, Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club in Jerudong.
The event was held in in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne.
Their Majesties were accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and General of the RBAF.
Upon arrival at the venue, Their Majesties were received by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Ibnu Ba’asith bin Pengiran Datu Penghulu Pengiran Haji Apong and Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Mohammad bin Haji Daud, advisors to the executive committee of the event and Pehin Datu Harimaupadang Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Husin bin Ahmad, chairman of the event, as well as their spouses.
Their Majesties and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince entered into the Royal Berkshire Hall accompanied by bagpipers from the Serunai Group of the RBAF.
Their Majesties and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince sat for a group photo session with the executive committee members of the dinner at the Chesney Hall where Their Majesties signed a memento parchment and were presented with a pesambah.
The event began with singing of the national anthem. This was followed by a welcoming speech by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Sanggamara Diraja Major General (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Ibnu Ba’asith in which he said that as many as 654 officers, aged between 35 and 77, have retired from service, of which 29 are female army officers.
He mentioned that several retired officers were appointed as Cabinet Ministers, Legislative Council members, ambassadors and high commissioners as well as penghulus and village heads. “This shows His Majesty’s trust towards their abilities. This is a great honour for them and will drive them to continue their services to the community and the country.”
On behalf of the retired officers, he expressed his happiness and pride over the development and achievements of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces under the guidance and leadership of His Majesty.
As many as 250 retired RBAF officers and their spouses attended the dinner. Among the guests included Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports and First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit, Deputy Minister of Defence.
Also present were Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
Before departing, Their Majesties and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince received a Junjung Ziarah from the retired officers and their spouses.
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