| Nuri Sufri & Fizah HAB |
THE Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), an institution vital to the country’s peace and stability, celebrated its 55th anniversary on the grounds of the new Defence Academy at Tanah Jambu, yesterday. The two-day event was also celebrated with support from the public, in the form of military demonstrations, activities and exhibitions at the Parade Square.
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, was present to grace the occasion. Also present was His Royal Highnesses Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF); and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik.
On hand to receive His Majesty, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik was First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Awang Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit, the Deputy Minister of Defence; Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, the Commander of the RBAF; and Cabinet Ministers.
This year’s theme, ‘A Visionary RBAF Generation’, signifies His Majesty’s visionary leadership, together with the commitment of the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving the country.
With a total of 1,055 military personnel bearing the royal crest and the RBAF crest while marching in the Mass Parade, His Majesty received a royal salute from the Royal Brunei Land Forces (RBLF), Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF), RBAF Training Institute, Special Force Regiment (RPK) and RBAF Women Military Company, led by Lieutenant Colonel Haji Mohammad Shahnonnizam bin Sulaiman.
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 during the cake-cutting ceremony. PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR
His Majesty, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik tours the exhibition
His Majesty signing a Royal Parchment
His Majesty, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik tour the exhibition
ABOVE & BELOW: His Majesty poses for a photo with a family
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; His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik in a group photo with officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces
Following the grand parade and spectacular arena displays, government officials and members of the public took a moment of silence to listen to His Majesty’s titah and a subsequent recitation of prayers to bless the event read by Major Ariffin bin Amit @ Hamid, the Assistant Head of the RBAF Religious Department (Jama’at). Afterwards, His Majesty made a tour of the static exhibition at the Officer Cadet School, as well as an exhibition on the equipment and military capabilities of the RBLF, RBN and RBAirF.
As a side-attraction, there were several interactive activities, including a survival village, airboat rides, a 0.22 long rifle shooting range and a simulated army experience for civilians.
There was also a career fair, showcasing employment opportunities within the RBAF.
During their tour of the funfair activities and bazaar, His Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses mingled and chatted with members of the public.
The displays at the exhibition were provided by the RBAF Recruitment, Directorate of Personnel, the RBAF Inspectorate Unit, Counselling Unit RBAF, the Performance Optimisation Centre, the Jama’at, the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment, the RBAF Cadet, the Training Institute RBAF Medical Services Reception (MRS), Land Engineering, Dental Services, RBAF Fire and Rescue Services, Signal Squadron, Logistic Depot, Military Vehicles and the RBAF Military Police Unit.
After touring the exhibition areas, His Majesty was presented with a ‘pesambah’ in the form of a Royal Seal stamp, after signing a Royal Parchment to commemorate the visit.
Gifts were presented to His Majesty at the Defence Academy Auditorium, in the form of a copper global sphere with a compass attached at the bottom, labelled ‘Brass Armillary Nautical Sphere Globes, World Sundial Compass’, and a Charles Owen Polo Helmet memento from the United Kingdom.
His Majesty then proceeded to the RBAF Command and Staff College for a luncheon, where His Majesty consented to a cake-cutting ceremony with the words, ‘RBAF 55th anniversary’ written on the confection, and then received a pistol as a gift from RBAF officers.
A recitation of prayers was led by Major Ariffin, followed by a luncheon with Defence Executive Committee members, service commanders, former deputy ministers, former RBAF commanders, civilian and military directors, and commandants.
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