Bandar Seri Begawan,November 29 (AseanAll)  — Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, on November 28, 2024 graced the Gurkha Reserve Unit (GRU) Golden Jubilee Celebration that took place at the Parade Ground, Sungai Akar Camp.

The arrival of the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was greeted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Retired) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II; Yang Mulia Brigadier General (Retired) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Alirupendi bin Haji Perudin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, and Yang Mulia Lieutenant Colonel (Udara) Haji Habil bin Haji Adol, Commandant GRU.

Upon arrival, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was escorted to the Royal Dais to receive the Royal Salute and inspected the Guard of Honour comprising 161 GRU personnel including a joint Pipes and Drums from both PSG and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), led by the Parade Commander, Captain Rabindra Prakash Tulachan. The parade continued with the Guard of Honour march-past, followed by the advance for review order.

At the ceremony, the Sultan delivered a Titah in conjunction with the GRU Golden Jubilee Celebration. To bless the ceremony, a Doa was read by Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Mujib bin Haji Japar, Acting Director of the RBAF Religious Directorate (JAMA’AT). 

The Sultan then proceeded to witness the Arena Performance which featured a Khukri Formation Display, a cultural dance performance of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, and a demonstration by the PSG K-9 Unit.

From the Parade Square, the Sultan proceeded to the Gurkha Gallery for its official opening. Upon arrival, the Sultan signed the Inauguration Plaque of the Gurkha Gallery, accompanied by the recitation of blessings upon Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam (SAW) ﷺ. The Sultan then continued to view up close the gallery, which showcased the collection of the early history and role of the GRU in Brunei Darussalam since 1974.

The Sultan then proceeded to the GRU Officers' Mess for the Royal Luncheon and subsequently consented for the Cake Cutting Ceremony in conjunction with the GRU Golden Jubilee Celebration, accompanied by the recitation of blessings upon Prophet Muhammad SAW ﷺ by JAMA'AT officers and personnel. 

The Sultan also received a Pesambah in the form of a Khukri, a traditional Nepalese short curved sword. The ceremony was then blessed with the recitation of Doa Selamat by the Acting Director of JAMA'AT.

The Sultan was then ushered to a Majlis Ramah Mesra with invited guests, GRU personnel and their families, before signing the Royal Parchment and a group photo session with guests and GRU personnel before leaving the ceremony. 

The Golden Jubilee Anniversary of GRU was celebrated on 25th February 2024, and to commemorate this historic occasion, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam graciously conferred the GRU Golden Jubilee Medal to all officers and personnel of GRU, including former members of GRU leadership. His Majesty also consented to approve the renaming of GRU to the Gurkha Security Unit (GSU).