MUARA, Sunday 17 September 2017 - 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) consented to grace the Grand Parade for the 56th RBAF anniversary celebrations at the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) Base in Muara today.
Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and General of the RBAF.
On hand to receive His Majesty and His Royal Highness at the RBN parade ground was the Deputy Minister of Defence First Admiral (Retired) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit, and the Commander of the RBAF, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah.
During the parade event, His Majesty received the royal salute and inspected the parade contingents of 1,056 RBAF personnel from the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF), Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF), Training Institute RBAF (TI RBAF), the Special Force Regiment (SFR) and Women Military Personnel led by Commander Spry bin Haji Serudi @ Haji Seruji, RBN in his capacity as the Parade Commander.
After the inspection, His Majesty delivered a Titah in which His Majesty emphasised the importance for RBAF personnel to strengthen their respective internal fortress and adhere to the ethics of social media usage as part of the wider efforts to safeguard against radicalisation and extremism. Apart from this, His Majesty also raised the increasing prevalence of cyber-related threats in today’s digital age and took note of the on-going efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Defence and the RBAF in enhancing Cyber Defence.
In addition to highlighting the current nature of today’s complex threats, His Majesty also touched upon the need for the RBAF to always focus on devising smarter ways towards ensuring the necessary levels of preparedness. In this regard, His Majesty also urged the Ministry of Defence to implement a Prioritisation Exercise and Equipment Care more comprehensively so as to ensure that existing financial allocations are optimally utilised.
Subsequent to the Titah, a recitation of prayers to bless the event was read by the Head of RBAF Religious Department, Commander Haji Ainolnizam bin Haji Ibrahim, RBN. His Majesty then once again received the Royal Salute followed by the sail pass from KDB DARUSSALAM and the fly-pass by RBAirF aircrafts.
From the parade ground, His Majesty and His Royal Highness proceeded to go onboard the KDB DARUTTAQWA for the arena performance which showcased the RBAF’s capability in conducting maritime interdiction operations.
Afterwards, His Majesty consented to tour the static exhibitions from the different units under the RBAF and Ministry of Defence.
Upon arrival at the Warrant Officer/ Chief Petty Officer/Petty Officer Mess, His Majesty and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was presented with a ‘pesambah’, an Armor Breast Plate Jacket as well as a Shield inspired by Islamic traditions, from the RBAF Senior and Junior Non-Commissioned Officers.
His Majesty and His Royal Highness then proceeded to the RBN Officers’ Mess for a luncheon, where His Majesty also consented to a cake-cutting ceremony for the 56th RBAF anniversary and was later presented with a ‘pesambah’ from RBAF officers in the form of a ‘General’s Sword’.
In addition to meeting current RBAF officers and personnel, His Majesty also took the time to meet former RBAF officers and personnel who have been appointed as members of the State Legislative Council as well as Penghulus and Ketua Kampongs.
The ceremony concluded with signing of the Royal parchment and a group photograph with members of the Defence Executive Committee, Service Commanders, RBAF Chief of Staff, RBAF Head of Inspectorate, former Deputy Ministers of Defence, former Commanders of RBAF, military and civilian directors as well as Commandants.
This year’s theme ‘Together in Accomplishing the National Vision’ underlines the continuous commitment of the RBAF, as a key security institution, in contributing to the nation’s progress and development by ensuring a safe and peaceful environment through the steady provision of defence and security.
This event, traditionally held every 31st May, was brought to a later date out of respect for the holy month of Ramadhan.
