Lyna Mohamad
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 in a titah expressed satisfaction over the achievement of the integrated security and land border operation under the leadership of the Joint Force Headquarters, Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).
This was implemented through the whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach with the direct involvement of the battalion unit, intelligence troops, the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF) Combat Boat Squadron, the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Squadron, Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and other national law enforcement agencies as well as the involvement of mukim and village institutions through the nationwide Neighbourhood Watch.
The integrated operation has resulted in many successes contributing to the decline in the trend of arrests with the establishment of the Area of Operations (AOP) in several strategic places and hot spots nationwide since April 2020, when the country was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The monarch underscored this in a titah during the 62nd anniversary of the RBAF celebration yesterday.
In the current situation, all countries either large or small, should build peace and tranquility, at internal or regional level. Hence, the RBAF needs to be remain committed to maintaining the sovereignty and security of the country, while at the same time, respecting and improving relations with other countries, he said.
“We are well aware that building strength is not an easy task, as it depends heavily on the integrity of the organisation and the effectiveness of leadership. In my opinion, RBAF can become strong with a solid and wise union to form a structure and have combat capability, personnel capacity, logistics and quality leadership,” His Majesty said.
Touching on leadership, the monarch hope that RBAF’s leadership model, based on the force’s core values, Maqasid Syariah and the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy, will be truly understood, appreciated and practiced as the main guide by all levels of RBAF leaders.
His Majesty also announced that to strengthen capabilities and to commemorate yesterday’s anniversary celebration, the monarch has consented to approve the establishment of the Fleet Tactical Aircraft Squadron and the expansion of the patrol squadron for the RBN.
The Fleet Tactical Aircraft Squadron will further monitor the country’s exclusive economic zone maritime area while the expansion of the Patrol Vessel Squadron following the recent commissioning of the KDB As-Siddiq, is to meet the needs and further expand the scope of maritime operations, specifically in the country’s coastal waters.
“In the development of human capital, we can be proud of the achievement of the education and training institutions in RBAF that have achieved significant successes with courses and programmes conducted at the Defence Academy, RBAF Training Institute, Land Force, Navy and Air Force training schools, gaining national and international recognition.”
This, added His Majesty, can be seen from the high demand from military forces to attend professional courses at RBAF where this year alone, the Defence Academy’s Officer Cadet School, the RBLF Infantry School and the RBN Training Centre have accepted students from abroad for the first time.
The monarch also noted that starting this year, RBAF through its training institute will be able to produce 960 trained military personnel compared to the previous 540 per year.
His Majesty believed that with this development, RBAF will be able to fill long overdue vacant positions and strengthen the number of trained soldiers, in addition to providing job opportunities to the youth.
The monarch was also pleased to see the involvement of the Air Force from other countries invited to showcase their strategic aircraft, reflecting the unity and strong defence diplomatic relations, among friendly countries and Brunei Darussalam.
The continuous commitment among former RBAF personnel in jointly building and preserving the country’s welfare was also acknowledged by His Majesty while noting their active involvement in charitable works despite having retired from their military service such as volunteering in organisations.
“Some are even successful in running businesses, appointed as leaders at the grassroots level in village and mukim institutions and appointed as Legislative Council members representing certain zones.”
These are the best examples that can be an inspiration to future generations, said His Majesty, who also expressed a deep appreciation towards them and hoped that the RBAF Veterans Association (PERWIRA) will continue to play a role in uniting RBAF retirees or veterans to preserve the country’s safety and security.
