His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), consented to grace the 50th RBAF Anniversary celebration at Berakas Garrison yesterday.

Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, General of RBAF, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul 'Azim and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik.

Upon arrival, His Majesty together with members of the royal family was greeted by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, and the Commander of RBAF, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Awg Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin.

Shortly after arriving at the parade square, His Majesty was accorded the royal salute and inspected the RBAF Grand Military Parade consisting of 1,250 personnel from various RBAF units, donning the new 'digital' combat uniform, including the Royal Brunei Land Force, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force, Training Institute of RBAF, Women Military Personnel and the Special Force Regiment (SFR) led by the Parade Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Haji Mohammad Haszaimi bin Bolhassan.

Following the inspection, the grand parade proceeded with the slow and fast-paced march, in which military personnel carried with them His Majesty's and RBAF's regimental flags. Later the three chants of "Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik" reverberated through the mega parade.

Various ex-military personnel including the first battalion of the Brunei Malay Regiment and first intake of Boy's Wing together with the latest military armoured transport vehicles pass-by the royal dias followed by a fly-past by the Royal Brunei Air Force.

His Majesty also viewed the static demonstrations from the Ministry of Defence, Royal Brunei Air Force, Royal Brunei Land Force, Royal Brunei Navy and RBAF Training Institute.

At the Berakas Garrison Officers' Mess, His Majesty and Their Royal Highnesses had a 'santap' organised by the Ministry of Defence, RBAF officials and retired Commanders of RBAF. His Majesty also consented to cut the 50th RBAF anniversary cake.

At the end of the event, His Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince General signed the royal parchments and posed for a group photo with senior officers of the Ministry of Defence and RBAF. - Borneo Bulletin (1 June 2011)