His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah yesterday afternoon attended a high-tea reception in conjunction with His Royal Highness' 35th birthday celebration hosted by officers of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

Accompanying Their Royal Highnesses to the reception that took place at the Officers' Mess Bolkiah Garrison was His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik.

Their Royal Highnesses were greeted upon arrival by the Commander of RBAF Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence I, Dato Paduka Hj Mustappa Hj Sirat and Deputy Permanent Secretaries of Defence, Colonel (Rtd) Pg Dato Paduka Hj Azmansham Hj Mohamad and Mohd Sahrip Othman.

Also in attendance were service commanders, commandants, military and civilian directors, senior officers and officers of the Ministry of Defence and the RBAF.

The function began with a group photo of the royalty with senior officers of MinDef and RBAF and their spouses followed with the introduction to His Royal Highness of the newly commissioned RBAF officers before signing the Royal Parchment.

Their Royal Highnesses then viewed an exhibition displaying pictorial collections of His Royal Highness' series of visits to the MinDef and the RBAF throughout 2008.

HRH was presented a 'pesambah' of a Photo Book Album entitled 'Sejambak Ristaan II', which shows pictures of His Royal Highness' visits to the MinDef and RBAF.

A thanksgiving prayer was read by Lt Col (U) Hj 'Abdur Rahim Hj 'Abdul Karim, Head of RBAF Religious Department (JAMA'AT) to bless the high-tea reception. - Borneo Bulletin (27th Feb 2009)