| Aziz Idris & Hakim Hayat |
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), yesterday consented to grace the Sovereign’s Parade Ceremony for the RBAF’s 17th intake of officer cadets at the Parade Square of the Defence Academy RBAF in Kampong Tanah Jambu.
The parade marked the completion of a year’s intensive training for 57 officer cadets comprising 40 males and 17 females, of whom 34 were commissioned as Royal Brunei Land Force officers, 10 as Royal Brunei Navy officers, and the remaining 13 as Royal Brunei Air Force officers.
The arrival of His Majesty was greeted by Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof and Commander of the RBAF Major General Pengiran Dato Paduka Seri Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Captain (U) Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
Shortly after arrival, His Majesty consented to receive the royal salute and inspect the guard of honour parade commanded by 1085 Captain Abdul Qahhar bin Haji Abdul Mulok.
After delivering his titah, His Majesty conferred awards to officer cadets who had demonstrated exceptional performance in various fields throughout the course.
Receiving the Sword of Honour award was 52525 Officer Cadet Muhammad Hidayatullah Sunazul Fikar bin Suip, who holds a special degree in Hafaz Al-Quran from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Takhassus Al-Quran and Al-Qiraat from an Egyptian university.
The Best Academic Award went to 52528 Midshipman Mohammad Syafi’ie bin Othman, while the Best Military Skills Award was granted to 52527 Midshipman Muhammad Hamizan bin Haji Zaini. 17956 Officer Cadet (U) Mohd Zulhaffiz Zarriq bin Ranee was awarded with the Best in Physical Training Award.
The ceremony continued with three chants of Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik by the participants of the guard of honour parade, followed by a Doa led by Head of RBAF Religious Department (JA’MAAT) Commander Haji Ainolnizam bin Haji Ibrahim.
His Majesty then consented to receive a pesambah called Syu’lah Atawjih (Torch of Guidance) during the Junjung Ziarah with the newly-commissioned officer cadets and their families.
During the Junjung Ziarah, His Majesty also consented to sign a commemorative royal parchment and the newly commissioned Officer Cadet Book of Journey.
Prior to leaving the ceremony, His Majesty consented to receive another Junjung Ziarah from the instructors and officers of the Officer Cadet School (OCS), including military officers from friendly countries.
The Junjung Ziarah also included two officer cadets from the same intake, but now professionally qualified officers who were commissioned on May 13 and August 5, 2018. The event concluded with a group photo session.
The Sovereign’s Parade is the culmination of the RBAF OCS’ prestigious intensive military training towards equipping newly commissioned officers with knowledge, faith, discipline, professionalism and leadership skills.
The 52-week Officer Cadet Training Course for the 17th intake began on January 26, 2018 which involved a variety of exercises and military activities dedicated to improving the quality of leadership, character and intellect as required for every RBAF officer.