His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and General of Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), yesterday morning officiated the Sovereign's Parade for the 4th Intake of Officer Cadets at the Parade Square of the RBAF Officer Cadet School (OCS) in Sungai Akar Camp.

His Royal Highness was greeted in front of the OCS Headquarters by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, and the Commander of RBAF, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin.

His Royal Highness received the Royal Salute and inspected the Static Guard of Honour mounted by 26 personnel of the Third Battalion of Royal Brunei Land Force.

His Royal Highness was ushered to the dais and again received the Royal Salute from 18 Officer Cadets of the 4th Intake and 31 Officer Cadets of the 5th Intake. The Parade Commander was 657 Captain (U) Pg Muhd Farisan bin Pg Hj Metassan.

Following the inspection of the Officer Cadets of the 4th intake, the event continued with the slow and fast march-past.

His Royal Highness then consented to deliver the Sabda, urging the Officer Cadets at the RBAF Officer Cadet School "to instill the importance of military ethics and practice of core values in every member of the RBAF as the basis of the soundness and stability of our military institutions.

"The values are the core acts of the behaviour of a leader as a role model to provide the best example and motivate other members".

His Royal Highness said that with the consent of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the 18 Officer Cadets of the 4th Intake were commissioned to be promoted to Military Officers of the RBAF.

His Royal Highness conferred awards on the best Officer Cadets from the RBAF Officer Cadet School's 4th Intake.

The prestigious 'Sword of Honour Award' was presented to 21623 Officer Cadet Dayang Siti Nur Irmaya binti Yahya for attaining top achievements in basic military training - academic and physical. She showed strong and exemplary characteristics, as well as steadfast leadership qualities and an upbeat personality from the beginning until the end of the Officer Cadet Training at the RBAF Officer Cadet School.

Meanwhile, 'Best in Academic Award' was presented to 21621 Officer Cadet Nida'Ul Aqilah binti Haji Mayassin for attaining the top results in academic study that covered essay writing, oral presentation, examination and broad knowledge of current affairs.

'Best Military Skills Award' was presented to 19344 Officer Cadet Mohammad Aji bin Haji Abdul Rahman for excellent achievement in Military Skill subjects.

'Best in Physical Training Endurance Award' was presented to 17968 Officer Cadet Mohammad Hanis Fakhri bin Haji Bakri.

A doa selamat was then read by the Head of RBAF Religious Department (JA'MAAT), Lieutenant Colonel (U) Haji Abdur' Rahim bin Haji Abd Karim.

From the parade square, His Royal Highness proceeded to the Sungai Akar Officers' Mess for light refreshments. There, His Royal Highness consented to receive a Pesambah.

His Royal Highness also consented to cut a cake to commemorate His Royal Highness' 37th birthday which was followed by a 'doa kesyukuran' by Lieutenant Colonel (U) Haji Abdur' Rahim.

The event then saw a 'junjung ziarah' by the Officer Cadets and their families to His Royal Highness before the signing of the Royal Parchment. Prior to leaving the ceremony, His Majesty consented to receive another 'junjung ziarah' from instructors and officers of the Officer Cadet School. The event ended with a group photo session. - Borneo Bulletin (18th February 2011)