HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) yesterday underscored the need for the RBAF to step up its robustness and resilience in the face of modern day obstacles, as well as in its role of forging closer regional and international cooperation.

This is crucial in withstanding domestic and foreign interferences as the RBAF is our nations sole pillar of defence, His Majesty said in a titah delivered at RBAF’s 53rd anniversary celebration Grand Parade held at the RBAir Base in Rimba yesterday.

Also present at the event were His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, Senior Minister at the Prime Minister Office’s and General of the RBAF, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.

His Majesty said although Brunei Darussalam has for so long been blessed by Allah the Almighty with peace and harmony that ensure our safety and dynamic progression, we should not be complacent as challenges remain out there and have the potential to disrupt our nation and its people.

His Majesty said it is imperative for the RBAF to stay alert in evading any interferences or matters that may be unprecedented.

His Majesty said all efforts made in enhancing RBAF’s capabilities must be planned in a more systematic manner based on the principles of Raise, Train and Sustain in order to gain more assurance in the effective and efficient implementation of operational responsibilities.

His Majesty also reminded the RBAF to practise prudence in its expenditure.

Defence is our priority and it requires large amounts of human resource and expenditure, His Majesty said, while underscoring the importance of comprehending the concepts of financial regulation and accountability to avoid wastage.

Expenditure and revenue must be fulfilled wisely, not just by merely making shortcuts that entail wastage. As a large and dynamic institution, it is only proper for all (RBAF) sections and units to follow planning and strategic thinking methods.

Among the proactive measures that can be undertaken at the management level, His Majesty said is by applying a holistic approach and to not overlook RBAF’s vision and mission.

“I am confident that an alignment with a clear mission has the ability to infuse an effective sense of responsibility,” His Majesty added.

On military cooperation beyond our borders, His Majesty said the RBAF involvement on the international front showed appreciation for the good relations with our neighbours as part of a clear defence policy. so has our support in collaborative efforts especially in the Asean region as way to enhance confidence and ensure common security.

With this goal in mind, His Majesty said RBAF will take another step forward in its efforts of enhancing regional military cooperation when Brunei hosts the Asia-Pacific Chiefs of Defence Conference later this year. “I am always confident of our capabilities following our involvement in regional and international peacekeeping operations such as in the International Monitoring and Peacekeeping Mission (IMT) in Mindanao, the Philippines and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).”

His Majesty praised our nation’s men and women in the military for their unwavering service in protecting the country and in actively making the nation proud in the international arena. - Borneo Bulletin (1 June 2014)