2011 PMO News

 

The Royal Brunei Armed Forces' Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebration carries the theme: 'Defending My Country - Brunei Darussalam'. Taking place at the Berakas Garrison , various events have been arranged including massive parade and static exhibitions.

Upon arrival, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was greeted by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa and the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan. Also present were His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, who is also the General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces; His Royal Highness Prince Haji 'Abdul 'Azim and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik.

Shortly after arrival, His Majesty received the Royal Salute and consented to inspect the massive parade mounted by 1 thousand and 250 Royal Brunei Armed Forces personnel representing the Royal Brunei Air Force, the Royal Brunei Land Forces, the Royal Brunei Navy, the Special Force Regiment, Women Military Personnel, the 142nd intake Male Recruit and the 51st intake Female Recruit under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Haji Mohammad Haszaimi bin Bolhassan.

With this year's anniversary themed 'Defending My Country - Brunei Darussalam' brings the meaning of heroism which lead to the military field. Unity and a solid understanding among the RBAF's personnel is needed in upholding commitment with pro-activeness, sincerity and honesty. A quality RBAF's personnel has the credibility to work together in gaining knowledge as well as skills in the era of technology.

The massive parade in conjunction with the Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebration was then followed with the march past by several contingents displaying various transportations and military equipments of the RBAF. The Pewira National Team that first joined the recruit training in Port Dickson, Federation of Malaya, are among the teams that joined the march past. The development of RBAF not only can be seen through the increase of its personnel credibility but also in terms of infrastructure as well as its modern military equipments in line with the new technology era.

Doa selamat was read by the Head of Religious Department of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Lieutenant Colonel Awang Haji Abdur Rahim bin Haji Abdul Karim.

His Majesty then proceeded to the Hangar 38th Skuadran of the Royal Brunei Air Force to watch several events and static exhibition from the Royal Brunei Air Force and Ministry of Defence. 1st January 1984 marked a milestone with the establishment of Ministry of Defence and the change of name from 'Askar Melayu Diraja Brunei' to Royal Brunei Armed Forces, RBAF. The establishment of the Ministry of Defence is a significant step toward enhancing defence management and nation's security as a whole.

At the first Batalion Hall, His Majesty consented to attend a get together ceremony with the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers.

His Majesty then consented to head towards Berakas Garrison Mini Stadium to witness several events and static exhibition from the Royal Brunei Land Force. His Majesty, in his titah, has stressed on that the RBAF's involvement in international operations must be continued as benefits reaped from it is not only for the RBAF and its personnel, but also for the country in areas of defence diplomacy.

His Majesty then proceeded to Berakas Garrison Swimming Pool to watch several events and static exhibition of the Royal Brunei Navy. The RBAF particularly the Royal Brunei Navy has achieved a milestone when His Majesty consented to attend The Commissioning of the two Darussalam Class Patrol Vessel on the May 14, 2011.

His Majesty then proceeded to the Berakas Garrison's Gymnasium Hall for a get-together ceremony with former Army Association. The historic moment of RBAF began with the Foundation of the Brunei Malay Soldiers on May 31st 1961. A total of sixty locals were chosen to undergo the first recruitment training at Port Dickson, Malaya Federation.

At the Dewan Pahlawan Berakas Garrison area, His Majesty consented to watch several events and static exhibition of the Training Institute of RBAF. For the past 50 years, RBAF has achieved various significant developments. RBAF has successfully carried out its task and responsibilities in defending the nation to ensure peace, well-being, prosperity as well as soverignty of a Malay Islam Monarchy nation.

At the Warrant Officers'/Staff Sargeant's/Sargeant's Mess, His Majesty consented to attend the get-together with the Non-Commissioned Officers.

At Berakas Garison Officers' Mess, His Majesty consented to attend a luncheon. His Majesty also consented to cut the Royal Brunei Armed Forces' Golden Jubilee Anniversary cake and consented to receive a pasambah. His Majesty, in his titah, reminded that the number one enemy that continue to lurk is complacency. This complacency can bring about disasters and hardship, however to overcome it requires continuous alertness and vigilance.