MUARA, Friday, 10 January 2025 – With the consent of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzadin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Captain Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Zainal Abidin RBN took over the helm of command of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) from Captain Haji Mohamad Sarif Pudin bin Matserudin, the outgoing 13th Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy at a Change of Command Ceremony this morning at Muara Naval Base.
The Royal Brunei Navy commenced its ceremony with a poignant display of tradition and honour: the morning colors ceremony. Following that, upon arrival at the dais, the outgoing Commander of RBN, Captain Haji Mohamad Sarif Pudin bin Matserudin, RBN received the Honourary Salute and inspected the Guard of Honour which comprised personnel from RBN. The march parade was commanded by Lieutenant Commander Adib Faliq bin Mohammad, RBN.
The ceremony continued with a farewell speech by Captain Haji Mohamad Sarif Pudin, RBN, where he expressed his highest appreciation to all RBN personnel for their significant achievement, effort and tremendous fighting spirit to fulfill the duties and responsibilities given. He also advised all personnel to remember the Core Values of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) by putting more emphasis on Taqwa, the remembrance of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala (SWT) in our daily working life as well as to nurture the spirit of esprit de corps as success will only be achieved with teamwork. He encouraged maintaining a work-life balance for optimal performance and well-being. In addtion, he emphasised the importance of professionalism, urging all personnel to uphold this value in fulfilling their obligations and responsibilities effectively and with integrity. In his closing remarks, he thanked all involved in organizing the change of command ceremony and pray for RBN to always be under Allah SWT protection, guidance and blessing.
A signing ceremony of the Handing Over Certificate was then held to mark the official handover of the Commander of RBN's duty. This was followed by a doa selamat by Ustaz Muhammad Sabqi bin Nasar, RBN Religious Officer.
The ceremony then continues with Captain Sahibul Bahari, the new Commander of RBN receiving the Honourary Salute marking the new duty placement, prior to inspecting the Guard of Honour. Captain Sahibul Bahari, RBN then delivered his inaugural speech as the 14th Commander of RBN where he is committed to continuing the legacy and efforts of previous RBN Commanders, with a focus on prioritising discipline, strengthening spiritual values, and consistently enhancing professionalism.
