James Kon
The Royal Brunei Armed Forces’ (RBAF) active involvement in assisting the country’s efforts have shown the united commitment and cooperation in upholding the whole-of-nation approach to address a crisis.
This was said by Major General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sahat in his final speech as the 11th RBAF commander, while extending his appreciation to all RBAF personnel including those in-service or retired, for their support and cooperation throughout his service.
“I have witnessed how committed the RBAF personnel were in the involvement of several large-scale events such as the diamond jubilee celebration, Hikmat Bersatu 6 exercise and most significantly, the contribution of support in terms of human resources for the continuous efforts to curb COVID-19,” he said during the handover ceremony at the Rimba Air force Base yesterday.
The outgoing commander Major General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Hamzah continued, “Alhamdulillah, in upholding 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’s titah during the diamond jubilee celebration, RBAF launched a blueprint on the long-term direction of RBAF or FORCE 2035. The blueprint outlined plans on acquisition of capability in phases in line with the role of RBAF and Defence White Paper 2021 for the nation’s safety. It will also become a guidance for commanders of the RBAF in the future to continue the efforts to further expand RBAF’s capabilities.”
On curbing disciplinary issues among RBAF personnel, he said, “The Discipline Review Authority initiative helps to increase disciplinary care through a more holistic, transparent and balanced approach. The RBAF has produced a strategy, ‘Review, Education, Accountability (Enforcement), Leadership, Islamic Spiritual Enhancement’ (REALISE) for the director to increase the level of discipline within the RBAF.
“The instillation of regimentation culture and core values through leadership and strengthening of spiritual aspects through religion by the RBAF Religious Department (JAMA’AT) are being implemented to curb discipline problems.”
On arrival at the parade square, the outgoing RBAF commander Major General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Hamzah received the honourary salute and later inspected the Guard of Honour comprising personnel from various RBAF units including the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF), Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF), and Women Military Personnel. The parade was commanded by Commander Pengiran Mohd Faren bin Pengiran Mohd Noor, RBN.
Meanwhile, the newly-appointed 12th RBAF Commander Major General Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Muhammad Haszaimi also received the honourary salute and later proceeded to inspecting the Guard of Honour.
The new RBAF commander, in his inaugural speech, said, “The roles, duties and responsibilities of the RBAF are strongly committed to the defence of the country’s sovereignty, and to protect and defend national peace.
“When an emergency occurs, the RBAF must always be ready to mobilise. The challenges of dimensional environment require a robust and resilient military force. The country depends on us as a trusted defence institution. We must fulfil this trust together without any element of prejudice to weaken us.”
Leading the RBAF forward, the commander outlined two goals for the RBAF as guiding principles. Firstly, to continue to strengthen RBAF as a solid defence institution by mastering leadership, discipline and military regimentation. Second is the force’s goal towards achieving its vision and mission through the Defence White Paper 2021, and Brunei Vision 2035. There are five team goals according to priority: defence diplomacy; joint operation effectiveness through close coordination among units with whole-of-nation approach; military forces readiness and preparedness; policy and administration effectiveness and efficiency; and policy on personnel training and education.
The event also saw the signing of a certificate to mark the official handover of duties to the new RBAF commander.
In his final parade as the outgoing RBAF commander, Major General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Hamzah was escorted onto the march-past vehicle. The procession ceremony saw officers and personnel in convoy, represented by all military services in attendance.
