His Royal Highness Prince General Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), attended a thanksgiving ceremony (photo above) held at the Ministry of Defence in Bolkiah Garrison last night.

The thanksgiving or "Doa Kesyukuran," held in celebration of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces 48th anniversary, saw His Royal Highness welcomed by the RBAF Commander Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof.

The ceremony began with the recital of al-Quran verse 741 by Captain Haji Nafisal bin Haji Salim, followed by the mass Magrib prayer, recital of 'Surah Yassin and Tahlil' and then 'Doa Kesyukuran'.

The ceremony proceeded with the mass Isya' prayer, then the "junjung ziarah" before HRH Prince General Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah proceeded to the Officers' Mess for the "santap" and photo session.

RBAF was formed in 1941 and celebrates its anniversary every year on May 31 and the "Doa Kesyukuran" is held to acquire blessings from Allah. This year, Bolkiah Garrison was chosen to host the main religious event aside from prayers at mosques and suraus in all RBAF camps, with this year's theme "Strengthening Defence in Supporting the Mature Nation'. - Borneo Bulletin (31st May 2009)