By Azrol Azmi & Lyna Mohammed
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), yesterday morning made a working visit to the Royal Brunei Navy in Muara.
Upon arrival at the Royal Brunei Navy Headquarters, His Royal Highness was greeted by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar and the Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Eusoff Agaki bin Haji Ismail.
Also greeting the HRH were the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof, and Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy, Colonel (L) Dato Paduka Haji Joharie bin Haji Matussin.
Also present were the Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office Datin Paduka Hajah Salbiah binti Haji Sulaiman, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Majid bin Mangarshah, and Deputy Permanent Secretaries at the Ministry of Defence, Pengiran Dato Paduka Mashor bin Pengiran Ahmad and Dato Paduka Haji Rashid bin Haji Abd Rahman.
His Royal Highness consented to receive a royal salute and inspected a guard of honour mounted by 96 personnel of the Royal Brunei Navy, commanded by Major (L) Shamsul Bahren bin Haji Taweh.
The visit is part of His Royal Highness' continued observations on the development of the various units of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
His Royal Highness' visit began with a presentation on the mission, vision and roles of the Royal Brunei Navy, which was presented by the Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy.
His Royal Highness then went to the rooftop of the Royal Brunei Navy Headquarters to observe the expansion project of the naval base.
Later, His Royal Highness consented to sign the Royal Parchment at the Pahlawan Room followed by a group photo session with Senior Officers of the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Brunei Navy.
His Royal Highness then boarded the KDB Pejuang Missile Gun Boat and received another scope of presentation by the Fleet Commander, Lieutenant Colonel (L) Roslan bin Dato Paduka Haji Yaakub, before visiting the KDB Pejuang Operations Room to witness a missile firing-handling demonstration.
His Royal Highness next visited the Logistic Building to take a closer look at the Royal Brunei Navy's spare provisions, which are continuously maintained, and constantly in operational state to meet the demands of its operations.
Subsequently, His Royal Highness visited the Electronic Workshop and the Naval Technical Training School. The school is responsible for producing technically qualified personnel so that the ships and their systems can be maintained effectively. The school provides technical courses such as Weapon Engineering, Marine Engineering and Maritime Warfare.
His Royal Highness concluded his visit at the Royal Brunei Navy Medical Services centre, which provides health and medical services to the Royal Brunei Navy personnel and their families.
His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah's visit to the Royal Brunei Navy has shown His Royal Highness' concern on the implementation of the units' roles and functions as one of the vital defence agencies under the Ministry of Defence and will act as a catalyst in encouraging the military and civilian personnel of the Ministry of Defence, particularly the Royal Brunei Navy, to discharge their duties and responsibilities with more commitment, dedication and efficiency.
- Borneo Bulletin
(1st Feb 2008)
