The word ‘Amanah’ (trust) was the only word that sprang forth for the country’s new Deputy Minister of Defence yesterday when asked of his new appointment to the cabinet post by His Majesty the Sultan.

Dato Paduka Awg Hj Mustapha bin Haji Sirat, in an interview yesterday evening with the Sunday Bulletin, said what came to mind at a historic time like this were “the words ‘Amanah’ and “responsibility” as was highlighted in His Majesty’s titah during last year’s 48th anniversary of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).”

It was interesting to note that tomorrow the country would also be celebrating the 49th anniversary of the RBAF with its theme ‘Defending my country, Brunei Darussalam’, which could not be carried out without the entrusted responsibility shouldered by each and every member of the RBAF and the Ministry of Defence.

“To be appointed as the new Deputy Minister of Defence by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam just days prior to the Royal Brunei Armed Forces 49th anniversary celebrations is a great honour and privilege,” remarked Dato Paduka Hj Mustapha.

The former Permanent Secretary of Defence candidly recounted that he was at home yesterday, in the midst of performing the Asar prayer, when His Majesty made the announcement of the cabinet reshuffle.

“I wish to convey my appreciation to Allah the Al-Mighty for bestowing upon me this opportunity and to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for entrusting me with this honour and privilege to serve as his Deputy Minister of Defence,” said Dato Paduka Hj Mustapha.

“On the whole, my new responsibility is to realise His Majesty’s vision in creating and achieving a more robust, responsive, gallant and well-equipped armed forces. I also intend to uphold the constitution of this sovereign nation,” he said.

On changes that may come, Dato Paduka Hj Mustapha shared that the Ministry of Defence has many ongoing programmes and will continue to implement it “in the same vigorous manner”.

He spoke of the infrastructural developments and acquisitions to name a few, which includes a long list, including the setting up of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies that is expected to be completed next year and the Defence Academy by 2012.

The incumbent deputy defence minister, formerly Brunei’s envoy to Pakistan, also shared with the Bulletin a sneak peek of this modernisation drive by the Armed Forces, such as the deployment of two of the new ‘Ijtihad’ class patrol boats by the Royal Brunei Navy.

Dato Paduka Hj Mustapha also underscored the importance of the sultanate’s defence contributions to international and regional peace with its deployment of peacekeepers under the United Nationals Interim Force in Lebanon and with the International Monitoring Team in the southern Philippines as extensions of Brunei’s commitment, trust and responsibility beyond its borders for the peace and welfare of the world.

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