TUTONG

A TOTAL of 146 recruits of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces’ (RBAF) 153rd intake concluded their Basic Military Training (BMT) at the RBAF Training Institute in Penanjong Garrison yesterday.

A passing out parade was held at the institute’s Parade Square to mark the completion of the 25-week long training for the recruits.

Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications Abdul Mutalib Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yusof urged the graduates to use social media responsibly during yesterday’s ceremony.

He warned them of the dangers of abusing social media which may tarnish the military’s good name.

He said the abusive use of social media include the spreading baseless information – be it in the form of videos, pictures or news – which can defame an individual and affect the image of the country.

“Let us cultivate a sense of responsibility together by using social media for the benefit of everyone and not the other way around. Be a prudent social media user,” the permanent secretary said.

“(We hope) that all of you will become good examples to others. You have to remember the RBAF is a disciplined and professional institution,” said Abdul Mutalib.

“Continue to be sensitive to the responsibilities entrusted to you. Practice prudence in whatever you are doing, be it on or off duty so you may be able to uphold the good image of the RBAF,” he added.

Meanwhile, five recruits and two instructors were also awarded for their exemplary performance.

The awards included Best Male Instructor, Best Platoon Sergeant, Best Overall Recruit, Best in Physical Training, Best in Academic Knowledge, Best in M16A2 Rifle and Best in Heavy Barrel Automatic Rifle (HBAR).

Best Academic award recipient Mahdini Mohamad told The Brunei Times that academic achievements in the military are just as important as the physical aspect of training.

“The expertise you learn through your studies can be used in various fields required in the military. These include engineering, computer science and perhaps public safety,” he said.

“After completing my training, I plan to continue my studies at the Sultan Saiful Rijal Technical College (MTSSR), taking courses in Aircraft Engineering,” he added.

Mohammad Azizan Othman was awarded the Best Overall Recruit.

He said that discipline should be integrated not only in the military, but also in everyday life as it taught him how to manage his routine well.

Also present at the ceremony were RBAF Commander Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih Abdullah, services commanders in the RBAF, senior officials and other members of the RBAF as well as the families of the recruits.

The Brunei Times