As Brunei Darussalam marked the Royal Brunei Armed Forces 49th anniversary yesterday, members of the public gathered in masses at the Penanjong Garrison Camp to join in the celebrations.
Abirifdi Hj Ratu, a spectator hailing from Kg Serasa, commented on the importance of having such a disciplined, well-coordinated armed force in order to defend the nation.

He added that RBAF participated in collaborations with other agencies and ministries to assist domestic programmes such as cleaning campaigns of public spaces, particularly in cemeteries.

“It is also well noted that they helped people whose homes were affected during the flooding seasons,” he added.

Conveying his appreciation to the efforts of RBAF, he said: “These are examples of the contributions they provide for the people apart from safeguarding the nation and ensuring peace and tranquility.”

Asked about his feelings towards the celebrations, he said he was happy to be able to witness the event.

“RBAF plays a role to protect the nation from any disturbances and we are very grateful for it, ” said Abirifdi.

Also attending the celebrations were retired army veterans whom had served the country for decades and saw first hand the developments and changes especially in the advancement of weaponry and communications systems.

The Bulletin caught up with Major (Rtd) Hj Mohd Jaafar bin Hj Jaludin, a retired ex-communications officer who spent his tenure in the army for nearly thirty years, in which he also played an advisory role to a senior ranking official.

“Brunei is keeping up with the quality of the equipment to be compatible with other countries to ensure effectiveness in areas of co-operation and diplomacy,” he said.

The veteran also said that weaponries, machineries and other communication devices, need to comply with standards, maintained and when deemed necessary be “changed every 15 years”.

During the celebrations, His Majesty the Sultan viewed the exhibitions and displays, which are familiarised by the army trainees, candidates during training courses.

Brunei is keen in the acquisition of robust and flexible weaponries, which are standardised. BRIDEX will ensure the arrivals of new firearms especially anti-aircraft equipments in the future, according to a weapon specialist.

The anti-aircraft warfare site at the exhibition aroused great interest among the public as the strength and effectiveness of the weapons were available on show.

“Mistral, a type of air missile built for national security and defence, can target up to a range of 4km,” said SKN 38/ Air Regiment Officer PUDB Ariffin Abi who said that it also met modern specifications.

Asked how it could be used, he said “the weapon is operated manually and will set into shooting mode once it is ready to launch”.

The celebrations were also an attraction for tourists.

Dianne and Norman Bond, a couple hailing from the United Kingdom, were equally thrilled to witness the parade and the celebrations. They had the rare opportunity to converse with His Majesty.

“It’s absolutely brilliant. We read about it on the Internet and it’s one of the reasons we came,” the couple said.

• BEDB paves way for local companies to go international
• Halal brand to turn global in 2-3 years' time
• MUIB donates $13,000 to a student with heart disease
• Taking a trip down memory lane
• Local undergraduates in KK for intellectual development course