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 graced the Sovereign’s Parade ceremony for the 22nd intake of the Officer Cadet School at Defence Academy, Royal Brunei Armed Forces’ (DA RBAF) Parade Square in Kampong Tanah Jambu yesterday.
His Majesty was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and His Royal Highness 920 Major (U) Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
The monarch was greeted on arrival by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof and Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan.
His Majesty received the royal salute and inspected the cadets commanded by 1211 Captain Umar Abdul Aziz bin Haji Yahya. The event continued with a march-past.
The monarch delivered a titah and presented awards to the best officer cadets of the intake.
Officer Cadet Dayangku Noor Umiatul Afiqah binti Pengiran Zainal Abidin received the coveted Sword of Honour, while Officer Cadet Haziq Zharfan bin Haji Awang Hasbollah was presented with Best Academic Award, Officer Cadet Murfiqah binti Muhammad with Best Military Skills Award, Officer Cadet Awangku Muhd Syahiiruddin bin Pengiran Haji Tengah with Best in Physical Training Award, Officer Cadet Muhammad Akid bin Ayub from Singapore with Outstanding International Officer Cadet Award.
The event continued with three cheers of “Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik” followed by a Doa recitation by Director of RBAF Religious Directorate (JAMA’AT) Commander Haji Ainolnizam bin Haji Ibrahim.
His Majesty proceeded to DA RBAF ceremonial hall where the monarch received a pesambah and a book documenting the cadets’ 52-week training. The monarch then consented to a Junjung Ziarah, signed a royal parchment and joined a group photo.
The event yesterday saw 54 officer cadets being commissioned, with 29 as Royal Brunei Land Force officers, 12 as Royal Brunei Navy officers and 11 as Royal Brunei Air Force officers. There were also two international officer cadets from the Malaysian Armed Forces and Singapore Armed Forces. – Adib Noor
