HRH Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and HRH Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Salleh Ab Rahaman were feted to a high-tea reception hosted by officers of the RBAF on the occasion of HRH the Crown Prince’s 39th birthday.

Accompanying Their Royal Highnesses at the reception, which took place at the Officer’s Mess in Bolkiah Garrison, was HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

Their Royal Highnesses were welcomed upon arrival by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Dato Paduka Awg Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat and the Commander of the RBAF, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin.

The event began with a group photo session with senior officers of the Ministry of Defence (MinDef) and RBAF.

HRH was then introduced to RBAF officers, 10 of whom recently completed their training from the 7th and 8th intake of the Officer’s Cadet School (OCS) and one officer who won second place in the Tilawah (Tarannum Al-Quran) category in the International Tilawah and Al-Quran Memorising Competition for Islamic Military Forces held in the Islamic Republic of Iran recently.

HRH also consented to sign a Royal Parchment to commemorate the event and also consented to view an exhibition displaying a pictorial collection of HRH’s series of visits to the MinDef and RBAF.

HRH was later presented with a photo book album entitled ‘Sejambak Ristaan VI’, featuring a collection of HRH’s photographs.

The highlight of the event yesterday was when HRH cut the birthday cake and received a ‘pesambah’ featuring a set of gaharu, presented by the Commander of the RBAF.

To bless the occasion, a thanksgiving prayer was recited by the Deputy Head of RBAF Religious Department (JA’MAAT), Captain Ariffin bin Amit.

Before leaving the event, Their Royal Highnesses consented to receive “junjung ziarah” from senior officers of MinDef and RBAF.

Also in attendance were permanent secretaries, RBAF deputy commander, service commanders, deputy permanent secretary, commandants, military and civilian directors, senior officers and officers of MinDef and RBAF. - Borneo Bulletin (18 February 2013)