THE recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Tahlil for the late parents of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien and Al-Marhumah Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit was held yesterday to mark the 53rd anniversary of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) for the Ministry of Defence and RBAF.

The religious event was held at the Royal Mausoleum to seek blessings for His Majesty’s late parents from Allah the Almighty and to remember the contributions made by Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien.

The late Al-Marhum had contributed to the establishment of RBAF which is formerly known as Askar Melayu Brunei (AMB) on May 31, 1961.

Among those present were the Deputy Minister of Defence, Dato Paduka Hj Mustappa bin Hj Sirat; Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Seri Pahlawan Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah; Permanent Secretary (Defence Policy and Development) of the Ministry of Defence; Deputy Permanent Secretary, Deputy Commander of RBAF, Commanding Officers, Commandants and senior officers at the Ministry of Defence.

The recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Tahlil was led by Senior Religious Officer at the Ministry of Defence, Ustaz Ruslan bin Haji Sulaiman. Similar events will also be organised by the armed forces and Training Institute. - Borneo Bulletin (13 May 2014)