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, on Thursday graced the Gurkha Reserve Unit (GRU) Golden Jubilee Celebration that took place at the Parade Ground, Sungai Akar Camp.
On arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Brigadier General (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Alirupendi bin Haji Perudin, and Commandant GRU Lieutenant Colonel (U) Haji Habil bin Haji Adol.
At the Royal Dais, His Majesty received the Royal Salute, before inspecting the Guard of Honour comprising 161 GRU personnel including joint Pipes and Drums from both GRU and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), led by the Parade Commander, Captain Rabindra Prakash Tulachan. The parade continued with the Guard of Honour march-past, followed by the advance for review order.
At the ceremony, His Majesty delivered a titah in conjunction with the GRU Golden Jubilee Celebration. To bless the ceremony, a Doa was read by Acting Director of the RBAF Religious Directorate (JAMA’AT) Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Mujib bin Haji Japar.
His Majesty then proceeded to witness the Arena Performance which featured a Khukri Formation Display, a cultural dance performance of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, and a demonstration by the PSG K-9 Unit.
From the Parade Square, His Majesty proceeded to the Gurkha Gallery for its official opening. Upon arrival, His Majesty signed the Inauguration Plaque of the Gurkha Gallery, accompanied by the recitation of blessings upon Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). His Majesty took a closer look at the gallery, which showcases the collection of the early history and role of the GRU in Brunei Darussalam since 1974.
His Majesty then proceeded to the GRU Officers’ Mess for the Royal Luncheon and a Cake Cutting Ceremony in conjunction with the GRU Golden Jubilee Celebration.
His Majesty also received a Pesambah in the form of a Khukri, a traditional Nepalese short curved sword. The ceremony was then blessed with the recitation of Doa Selamat by the Acting Director of JAMA’AT.
His Majesty also mingled with guests, GRU personnel and their families, before signing the Royal Parchment and a group photo session with guests and GRU personnel.
The Golden Jubilee Anniversary of GRU was celebrated on 25th February 2024, and to commemorate this historic occasion, His Majesty conferred the GRU Golden Jubilee Medal to all officers and personnel of GRU, including former members of GRU leadership. His Majesty also consented to approve the renaming of GRU to the Gurkha Security Unit (GSU). – James Kon
