His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), yesterday consented to present rank insignias to 49 RBAF officers, including 920 HRH Second Lieutenant Prince 'Abdul Mateen, who has been promoted to Substantive Lieutenant.

Upon arrival at the Officers' Mess Berakas Garrison, His Majesty was greeted by Dato Paduka Awang Hj Mustappa bin Hj Sirat, the Deputy Minister of Defence, and Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Hj Abidin, the Commander of RBAF.

His Majesty was then accorded a Royal Salute and inspected a guard of honour mounted by personnel from the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Brunei Land Forces.

Accompanying His Majesty at the ceremony was HRH Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah.

Leading the promoted officers was 920 HRH Second Lieutenant Prince 'Abdul Mateen, who is now a Substantive Lieutenant.

Three officers were promoted to Substantive Lieutenant Colonel, namely 282 Acting Lt Col (L) Mohd Yusuf Masron, 406 Acting Lt Col Mohd Shafiee Duraman and Acting Lt Col (L) Hj Mohd Amirol Shahnoel Hj Mohd Noeh.

Eight officers were promoted to Acting Lieutenant Colonel, namely 287 Major Tarip Hj Karia, 384 Major (L) Muhd Hadi Syarifuddin Abdullah Mega, 386 Major (U) Norudin Salleh, 488 Major (L) Mohd Sarif Pudin Hj Matserudin, 514 Major Norhazalan Hj Abdullah, 533 Major Tamin Tuah, 551 Major (L) Rozalan Sable and 712 Major Dr Mas Irman Rukimo Dato Paduka Hj Abd Wahab.

Promoted to Substantive Major were 566 Acting Major Norlelawati Hj Emran, 607 Acting Major (U) Hj Mohd Rahimin Hj Ismail, 608 Acting Major (U) Mohd Yusree Mohd Yusainey, 611 Acting Major Kamarul Reza Hj Ramli, 618 Captain Nurharirayati Yakub, 730 Acting Major (U) Mohd Anwar Napiah, 737 Acting Major Azhar Matzan, 531 Captain (U) Radhuan Abd Hamid, 572 Captain (L) Saiful Hazril Ali, 649 Captain Pg Asmiah Pg Hj Mohammad, 689 Captain Hj Mohd Affendi Mohd Deli and 719 Captain (L) Ak Mohd Fahmy Pg Hj Mohd Sallehuddin.

Meanwhile, seven officers were promoted to Acting Major, six were promoted to Substantive Captain, two were promoted to Acting Captain, seven were promoted to Substantive Lieutenant and three were promoted to Substantive Captain for Special Commission.

Before leaving the event, His Majesty consented to sign the Royal Parchment and mingled with promoted officers and their family members. - Borneo Bulletin (15 September 2012)