| Aziz Idris |
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 (RBAF) has called on the RBAF to recognise that the country cannot afford to fall behind in terms of rapid developments.
As the cornerstone of national security, the monarch emphasised the need for the RBAF to ensure that ‘spiritual fitness’ receives the same priority as physical fitness.
His Majesty highlighted these during a titah to mark the 57th anniversary of the RBAF, at the Penanjong Garrison in the Tutong District, yesterday.
The monarch advised all sections and units of the RBAF to uphold their responsibility in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, in order to preserve peace in line with the main mission and vision of defence.
“The country is not seeking for anything more except only this,” said His Majesty, before prompting all the military units of men and women to “not simply ask what the country wants, but to ask ourselves what we have done for our country”.
The monarch also expressed confidence over the RBAF’s capabilities in all its 57 years of service, “Throughout this period, there have been many trials and tribulations over what reflects the maturity and quality of the RBAF. Therefore, the RBAF must recognise that we cannot afford to fall behind in terms of all the dynamic developments occurring within our daily environment.”
“Not only are physical abilities important, but spiritual fitness should also be prioritised in the same way that we defend the country. We must have strong willpower to resist and avoid temptation by staying away from harmful and destructive activities, such as drugs.”
His Majesty also encouraged the RBAF continue its involvement in military training whether on a regional, bilateral or multilateral level.
“This is not only beneficial for training, but has proven to be more than that…It can also optimise operational capabilities. The Ministry of Defence and the RBAF must display commitment and leadership towards their military profession, which youth can highly regard as a respected and honourable profession,” said His Majesty.
Taking into view all the contributions made by military personnel in defending the country, His Majesty described the subsequent peace and stability as “a blessing from Allah the Almighty”.
In ending the titah, the monarch thanked all RBAF members for their services, in addition to representing the country on the international arena.