| Hakim Hayat |
THE Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) today celebrates its 57th anniversary and the occasion will be marked with a Doa Kesyukuran ceremony in honour of the armed forces and to pay tributes to the men and women who serve for the protection of the country.
His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and General of the RBAF is expected to attend the annual religious gathering at the Surau Ad-Difa’ of Ministry of Defence (MinDef) in Bolkiah Garrison today.
The Grand Parade, which is annually held to mark the occasion, has been moved to a later date that will be announced later, to respect the holy month of Ramadhan.
May 31 is observed in the Sultanate to celebrate the progress of the RBAF as a pillar of defence and security of the country and also to honour Brunei Darussalam’s brave soldiers who have sacrificed their lives, time and energy towards the protection of the country’s sovereignty.
This year’s celebration is themed ‘Together in Realising the National Vision’.
While commendably performing its duty to defend the abode of peace over more than five decades, the RBAF has experienced rapid and significant progress and seen scores of milestones being achieved as it continues to position itself as a modern, capable, dynamic and resilient armed force that is on par with regional and international standards.
Buoyed by a strong leadership from 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 who is also the Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the RBAF, it has not only grown to a modern and comprehensive organisation comprising over 20,000-strong personnel covering the nation’s land, air and seas, but also an armed force that strives to keep-up with the pace of time though the acquisition of the latest assets and equipment, strenuously enhancing its human resource capabilities.
Under the leadership of His Majesty, RBAF has evolved significantly with times, especially in a fast-paced global landscape that is filled with uncertainties, particularly in its role in implementing defence policies, enhancing defence capabilities, promoting defence diplomacy and contributing to national development.
The MinDef and RBAF are strongly focussed on maintaining high standards of discipline and the implementation of its core values of Taqwa (faith), loyalty, courage and professionalism among its members. The MinDef continues to inculcate strong spirit and patriotism in establishing and building effective operational capacity in supporting the wishes of His Majesty in developing a superior and integrated armed forces.
This year’s theme signifies RBAF’s role and duty to the nation in supporting the country’s holistic development by ensuring a harmonious and peaceful environment through a robust defence and security strategy.
A pillar of national defence and security, the RBAF also functions as an agent of unity between national security agencies to maintain stability and peace.