By Sonia K.
His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) yesterday consented to officiate the foundation-laying ceremony for the main pillar (Tiang Sari) of the Ministry of Defence's new headquarters.
The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Defence in Bolkiah Garrison.
The foundation-laying ceremony began with a recital of 'Wirid', and followed by the pouring of the concrete mixture into the foundation of the main pillar of the new building by His Royal Highness. A doa selamat was also read to bless the ceremony.
His Royal Highness then consented to proceed to the Officers' Mess to hear a brief presentation on the construction progress of the new Ministry of Defence Headquarters project and later witnessed a mini exhibition of drawings and computer walk-through animation of tower block.
His Royal Highness then had some light refreshments along with other guests at the ceremony.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were Deputy Minister of Defence, Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar; Commander of RBAF, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof; Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat; Deputy Permanent Secretaries; Service Commanders and Commandants; Directors of Ministry of Defence; senior officers and officers from the Ministry of Defence and RBAF.
The construction of the Ministry of Defence new headquarters in a site area of 31,000 square metres, which commenced on January 26, 2006, cost approximately B$41 million. The building will consist of a eight-storey tower block and five outer blocks at four storeys high.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Defence, the conceptual design of the Ministry of Defence Headquarters was inspired by the Five-Star rank symbolising the leadership of the Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
It was designed by Architect Awang Haji Hambali bin POKDSDDLU Haji Abdul Rahman.
The 18-month project is scheduled to be completed by July 25, 2007.
- Borneo Bulletin
(9th Aug 2006)
