Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah delivering the speech during the GRU Golden Jubilee Celebration held at the Parade Ground, Sungai Akar Camp. - BB
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on Thursday (Nov 28) consented to award the Gurkha Reserve Unit (GRU) Golden Jubilee Medal to all serving personnel of the GRU and former leaders who have significantly contributed to the development of the organisation. The monarch also consented to rename the unit as the Gurkha Security Unit.
The announcements were made during a speech delivered by the Sultan at the GRU Golden Jubilee Celebration held at the Parade Ground, Sungai Akar Camp on Thursday.
Reflecting on the unit’s five decades of service, the Sultan underscored its contributions to the peace and prosperity of Brunei Darussalam. He expressed satisfaction with the GRU’s continuous development, which has enhanced its capability to address evolving challenges.
“After five decades of establishment, the Gurkha Reserve Unit has progressed into a highly reputable and respected security organisation,” the monarch said.
He highlighted the diversity of expertise within the GRU, stemming from its intake of personnel with backgrounds in the British Army Brigade of Gurkhas, Gurkha Contingent Singapore Police Force, Nepal Army, Indian Army, and citizens of Brunei Darussalam. This diversity, the Sultan noted, has enriched the organisation with wide-ranging experience and competence, making it a resilient force.
As a historic gesture of recognition, the monarch conferred the Golden Jubilee Medal to all serving members and retired leaders of the GRU, reflecting their loyalty and dedication in fulfilling their duties.
He also officiated the opening of the Gurkha Gallery, which chronicles the unit’s history, showcases profiles of Gurkha personnel who received the prestigious ‘Victoria Cross,’ and celebrates the cultural and heritage aspects of the Gurkha community.
In conjunction with the Golden Jubilee, the Sultan consented to rename the unit as the Gurkha Security Unit, and expressed hope that the new name would inspire members to uphold their core values with unwavering commitment, ensuring the unit remains relevant for future generations. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
