Izah Azahari
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 attended the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) 62nd anniversary celebration hosted at the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) Base in Rimba yesterday.
Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness 920 Major (U) Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
His Majesty was greeted upon 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 RBAF Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan.
His Majesty was given the royal salute and inspected the guard of honour comprising 931 personnel commanded by Lieutenant Colonel (U) Muhammad Walee bin Haji Roslie.
The event continued with a march-past followed by a titah delivered by the monarch, which was preceded with three chants of ‘Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik’ by march participants.
The ceremony saw a Doa recited by Director of the RBAF Religious Directorate (JAMA’AT) Commander Haji Ainolnizam bin Haji Ibrahim, Royal Brunei Navy (RBN).
His Majesty received the royal salute again and the event continued with a fly-past of RBAirF Blackhawk and CN-235 aircraft.
The royal entourage visited the Hangar ‘B’ Military Apron to view static displays and airborne demonstration by 31 personnel led by RBAirF’s 31st Squadron Commanding Officer Captain Ali Saufi bin Haji Ali Safian.
His Majesty also officiated the Fleet Tactical Aircraft Squadron, RBN and toured a defence industry exhibition featuring 29 booths from local and foreign companies.
The monarch was also introduced to Bruneian peacekeepers who completed their missions in the Philippines and Lebanon recently.
After a photo session, the royal entourage joined a luncheon at Hangar ‘B’.
There, His Majesty joined group photos and was introduced to RBAF personnel who participated in international events and courses as well as foreign cadets at Officer Cadet School and defence advisors or attaches.
The monarch then joined a cake-cutting ceremony and received a pesambah.
The event concluded with a Doa Selamat recited by Commander Haji Ainolnizam.
