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 grand parade of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) at the Parade Square Training Institute RBAF (TI RBAF), Penanjong Garrison yesterday to mark its 63rd anniversary.
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.
Greeting His Majesty and members of the royal family upon arrival was 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 then ushered to the royal dais, accorded the royal salute and inspected the guard of honour comprising 981 personnel of the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF), the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) along with the bearers of His Majesty’s and the RBAF’s regimental colours, special forces regiment (SFR), women military personnel, combined with RBAF and RBLF bands as well as RBAF vehicles and assets under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Ghazali bin Haji Hussin.
The grand parade continued with a march-past carrying His Majesty’s and the RBAF’s regimental colours, followed by an ‘advance in review order’.
His Majesty then delivered a titah to commemorate RBAF’s 63rd anniversary celebration, followed with three chants of ‘Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik’.
The ceremony concluded with a Doa recited by Acting Director of the RBAF Religious Directorate (JAMA’AT) Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Mujib bin Haji Japar. Before leaving the parade square, His Majesty received a royal salute, followed by a fly-past of RBAirF Blackhawk and C295MW aircraft.
His Majesty and members of the royal family then proceeded to the warrant officers and senior ranks mess, Penanjong Garrison for light refreshment followed by a photo session with RBAF’s senior non-commissioned officers.
His Majesty and members of the royal family then headed to the football field using the light tactical all-terrain vehicle (LT-ATV) to witness the solidarity jump, a parachute jump demonstration comprising 31 combined special forces paratroopers from 11 countries.
Participants also included personnel from the 31st Squadron RBAirF and SFR, led by SFR’s Major Pengiran Mas Sanusi bin Pengiran Haji Masuni. His Majesty also consented for a group photo session with the paratroopers.
The involvement of military counterparts from other armed forces in the RBAF anniversary celebration reflects the close defence relationship between the RBAF and their regional and international counterparts, which are important in maintaining peace and security around the world.
His Majesty and members of the royal family then proceeded to Nikmat Hall to view the RBAF Military Capabilities and Defence Industries Exhibition, featuring latest military equipment and technologies from 20 countries.
From Nikmat Hall, His Majesty and members of the royal family proceeded to the Officers’ Mess at Penanjong Garrison for a luncheon, where the monarch received a pesambah from RBAF officers and personnel.
The luncheon began with the recitation of Doa Selamat by the Acting Director of the RBAF Religious Directorate (JAMA’AT). Following the luncheon, His Majesty and members of the royal family were then introduced to ambassadors, high commissioners and defence advisors/attachés, paratroopers, overseas course participants at the Evolution Centre, TI RBAF and the Command Staff Course, Defence Academy RBAF as well as RBAF retired personnel, sponsors and RBAF personnel.
His Majesty then signed the royal parchment before consenting to a group photo with former deputy ministers of defence and former commanders of the RBAF, special guests, senior RBAF officers, other RBAF rank and paratroopers.
This year’s celebration carried the theme ‘Together Accomplishing the National Vision’, reflecting the commitment of the RBAF as a thriving and dominant national security organisation that upholds the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy and striving towards the accomplishment of Brunei Vision 2035 with the three pillars of deterrence and response; defence diplomacy; and holistic defence as enshrined in the updated Defence White Paper 2021. – Lyna Mohamad
