HIS Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF); and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman yesterday were feted to a high-tea reception hosted by officers of the RBAF on the occasion of HRH the Crown Prince’s 40th birthday.

Accompanying Their Royal Highnesses to the reception was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

Upon arrival at the BRIDEX Conference Hall, Their Royal Highnesses were welcomed by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Dato Paduka Awg Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat; and the Commander of the RBAF, Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Seri Pahlawan Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah.

The reception commenced with a group photo of Their Royal Highnesses with senior officers of the Ministry of Defence (MinDef) and RBAF.

His Royal Highness then consented to sign a Royal Parchment, watch a photo clip presentation and receive a photo book album entitled ‘Sejambak Ristaan VII’, featuring a collection of photographs of His Royal Highness’ visits to the MinDef and RBAF as well as working military visits abroad.

Their Royal Highnesses were then introduced to four RBAF personnel from the 9th group of the International Monitoring Mission (IMT) in Mindanao who are currently on leave; four Silat athletes and a Sepak Takraw athlete who won a silver medal at the SEA Games 2013 in Myanmar; and two personnel who won first place in the General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) Match 2 at the Asean Arms Rifle Meet 2013 Championship.

The highlight of the event was when His Royal Highness was ushered to the stage for the birthday cake-cutting and the presentation of a pesambah featuring a set of exclusive tie, button for Baju Melayu, cufflink and a tie bar. The pesambah was presented by Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Seri Pahlawan Mohd Tawih on behalf of all the RBAF officers.

A thanksgiving prayer was recited by Deputy Head of RBAF Religious Department (JA’MAAT), Captain Ariffin bin Amit, to bless the occasion. The reception was also enlivened with Tausyeh performance and photo clip presentation.

Their Royal Highnesses also consented to receive a “junjung ziarah” from the senior officers of MinDef and RBAF. - Borneo Bulletin (18 February 2014)