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) consented to grace the closing ceremony of the 9th Brunei International Shooting Skill at Arms Meet or BISAM at the Gallery 1 Binturan Shooting Range yesterday.

Accompanying His Majesty was His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Mutahdee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, General of the RBAF.

Upon arrival, His Majesty and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince were welcomed by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar and the Commander of the RBAF, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof.

His Majesty's itinerary began at the Briefing Room at the Gallery 1 of the Secretariat Building. Prior to the briefing, His Majesty was first introduced to the Chief of Defence Forces, Chiefs of Defence Staff and Representatives, Ambassadors, High Commissioners of participating countries, representatives of participating countries and members of the main organising committee.

In the briefing room, His Majesty heard a welcoming remark by the Commander of the RBAF and then a briefing on the 9th BISAM from the Co-Chairman, Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Colonel Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah.

His Majesty was then taken for a brief tour at the office of the Chief Range Executive Officer (CREO), the Medical Centre and the STATS Centre where His Majesty made a royal scrutiny of every role each office played throughout the whole of 9th BISAM.

His Majesty then proceeded to the 300-metre Point Gallery Range to participate in the VVIP Novelty Shooting Competition. His Majesty then witnessed the Rifle Falling Plate Solidarity before taking a closer look at the array of weaponries on display used by the contingents.

After some light refreshment at the Officer's Mess Gallery Range 1, His Majesty was invited for the closing ceremony of the 9th BISAM-2008. The Royal Salute was accorded to His Majesty with the accompaniment of the National Anthem.

The Butt Parting contingent of the 9th 2008 BISAM then marched before His Majesty, followed by the marching of RBAF Band into the field.

His Majesty then consented to present the medals for the Team Snap Section Match, Solidarity Rifle Falling Plate, VVIP Pistol Shooting, BISAM major trophies, Overall GPMG Team, Overall Pistol Team and Overall Rifle Team trophy and the 9th BISAM overall champion.

This year's 9th BISAM championship title was once again seized by Indonesia based on the most aggregate points.

A thanksgiving prayer was then read by Lieutenant Colonel (U) Haji Abdur' Rahim bin Haji Abdul Karim before His Majesty proceeded to the Penanjong Garrison Officer's Mess for a luncheon.

After the luncheon , His Majesty and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince were presented with a 'pesambah' and then signed the Royal Parchments where a group photo session was held to mark the end of the event. - Borneo Bulletin (7th Nov 2008)