| Hakim Hayat |
THE country’s youth remains one of the most valuable assets of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), the Commander of the RBAF said.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of RBAF’s 55th anniversary Grand Parade at the Defence Academy RBAF in Kampong Tanah Jambu yesterday, Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah said the Government 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 has always prioritised the sustainable development of its youth, who are bound to be future leaders of the nation.
When asked about the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘RBAF Generation with a Vision’, he said it signifies the visionary leadership and the commitment of the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving the country towards the Brunei Vision 2035.
The commander said that the new recruits in the RBAF are those individuals between the ages of 18 and 28 years, and most of its personnel are categorised in the youth group. “We can’t deny the fact that they (the youth) have made significant contributions to our development.”
He added, “55 years ago we had about 60 army personnel enlisted in our forces, but today the number has expanded by over 150 times its original size, which I think is one of the main indications of its progress.”
Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah speaks to the media. – HAKIM HAYAT
He appreciated the government for its continuous efforts in developing the youth through various programmes hat support the youth’s drive to become tomorrow’s leaders, such as the National Service Programme (PKBN).
“Most of the new recruits have already been equipped with basic military skills through PKBN, which indirectly helped us in their training. All we needed to do is enhance and polish what they already possess,” he said, adding that through this programme, a lot of exemplary recruits were identified not only with academic excellence, but also with physical and spiritual skills.
When asked to comment on the increasing interest of women to join the RBAF, the Commander said, “Our generation of women today are seen to be more brave and driven to take-up challenges. They yearn for and are ready to accept challenges and they have shown their capabilities and excellence.”
He said that there is no difference between male and female personnel in the military, because both have shown their valuable skills in combat gear.
“In the RBAF, we have given equal opportunities to all and their contributions are based on their capabilities,” he said, expressing his hope to see women to continue serving the nation through the RBAF.
He also stressed that equal opportunities will be given to enhance the chain of command.
“If they are good enough to do the job, we will not disagree with it, because we want to ensure equality irrespective of gender,” he added.
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