By Sonia K
His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah yesterday afternoon consented to attend a high tea reception in conjunction with His Royal Highness' 34th birthday celebration.
The reception presented by RBAF took place at the Officers' Mess in Penanjong Garrison.
Also accompanying His Royal Highness was HRH Prince Abdul Malik.
Upon arrival, His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness were greeted by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (R) Dato Seri Paduka Hj Mohd Yasmin Hj Umar, and RBAF Commander Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Halbi Hj Md Yussof.
Also in attendance to welcome Their Royal Highnesses were Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, Dato Paduka Hj Abd Majid Mangarshah, and Deputy Permanent Secretary Dato Paduka Hj Abd Rashid Hj Abd Rahman.
Among the function's other attendees were service commanders, commandants, military and civilian directors, as well as senior officers from the Ministry of Defence and RBAF.
The event commenced with the cutting of the birthday cake and the presentation of a pesambah by the RBAF Commander.
There were also a pictorial exhibition and a brief video presentation of high tea receptions of yesteryear.
The Crown Prince was then presented with a pesambah of a book entitled 'Sejambak Ristaan' and a VCD of pervious RBAF-hosted receptions.
To bless the function, a doa kesyukuran was read by Lieutenant Colonel (U) Hj 'Abdur Rahim Hj 'Abdul Karim, Head of the RBAF Religious Department (Jama'at).
After the banquet, His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah was introduced to the newly commissioned RBAF officers.
Their Royal Highnesses later consented to the Junjung Ziarah with RBAF officers and their spouses.
The event concluded with the signing of the Royal Parchment by the Crown Prince, and a group photo session with senior officers from the Ministry of Defence and RBAF, as well as their wives.
- Borneo Bulletin
(19th Feb 2008)
