| Siti Hajar |
RECENT graduates of the highly respected Officer Cadet School (OCS) were reminded to harness the principle of public service as part of their leadership motto, during the Sovereign’s Parade that took place yesterday, to mark the 13th intake’s official acceptance into the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
In a sabda, His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, emphasised that leadership should embody deeds that the leaders are answerable for, especially when performing their duties and responsibilities.
The “principle of public service” referred to leaders who focus primarily on the development and wellbeing of the people and the communities to which they belong.
“Showing care and concern will not only build confidence and encourage competency, but it will also prevent ‘status preoccupation’ among leaders,” said His Royal Highness, referring to the condition of being exclusively concerned with status and rank.
With the drive to develop a well-organised, professional and confident workforce in the country’s field of defence, hope was expressed for the recent graduates to continue building their skills physically, mentally, intellectually, and to persevere in the face of adversity, while possessing analytical skills towards finding solutions.
His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces signing the Royal Parchment. – DEAN KASSIM
His Royal Highness also warned that “every officer cadet must also be wary of external influences that are not in line with the values of religion, personal values and community,” and discouraged army officers from being involved in unhealthy activities.
“The credentials as an Army Officer are a national trust and responsibility that requires continued sacrifice and commitment,” His Royal Highness reminded.
As part of the sabda, His Royal Highness also highlighted the importance of forging relations with Brunei’s allies as one important aspect of regional and international security, and reiterated the country’s commitment in encouraging cooperation under the umbrella of mutual interest and inter-dependency.
“Initiatives or programmes towards heightening our defence diplomacy must be expanded not only at the strategic levels, but also at the tactical levels.”
With exercises having been conducted between OCS and New Zealand this year, with the objective of garnering and adding value to experience, it was expected that such collaborations would produce military leaders that are capable in practical and firm operational techniques for the betterment of the work ethic culture.
His Royal Highness noted that the new Brunei defence academy, with its anticipated modern facilities situated in Kampong Tanah Jambu, also reflects a significant development in Brunei’s defence, which is hoped
to gain regional status as a conducive military training institution.
“I urge all parties, especially the highest management of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Defence Academy, to continually preserve the performance and prestige of the Officer Cadet School which are appropriate with the school’s vision as a Centre of Excellence in producing officers of the highest quality.”
His Royal Highness added that human resource development “must be systematically managed for the sake of generating eligible and credible trainers”.
In concluding the sabda, His Royal Highness extended his congratulations to the newly commissioned officers and their families for their sacrifices; and also congratulated those who made their success possible, including officers, staff and trainers of the OCS.
The post Harness principle of public service: Crown Prince appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.