Bandar Seri Begawan, Tuesday 08 August 2006 - His Royal Highness Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota General Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office as well as General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) consented to officiate the Foundation-Laying ceremony for the main pillar (Tiang Sari) of the Ministry of Defence new Headquarters. The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Defence in Bolkiah Garrison this morning.

The construction of the Ministry of Defence new Headquarters in a site area of 31,000 square-metre which commenced on the 26th January 2006 cost approximately BND 41 million. It consist of eight-storey tower block and five outer blocks at four storeys high.

The conceptual design of the Ministry of Defence Headquarters was inspired by the Five-Star rank symbolizing the leadership of the Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. It was designed by Architect Awang Haji Hambali bin POKDSDDLU Haji Abdul Rahman. The 18-month period contract project is expected to be completed by 25 July 2007.

The Foundation-Laying ceremony for the main pillar (Tiang Sari) of the Ministry of Defence new Headquarters began with a recital of 'Wirid', and followed by the pouring of the concrete mixture by His Royal Highnesss. To further bless the ceremony, a 'Doa Selamat' was read.

His Royal Highness then consented to proceed to the Officers' Mess for a brief presentation on the construction progress of the new Ministry of Defence Headquarters project and later witnessed a mini exhibition of drawings and computer walk-through animation of tower block. His Royal Highness then consented to enjoy some light refreshment along with other guests at the ceremony.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were the Deputy Minister of Defence - Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, the Commander of RBAF- Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof, Permanent Secretary of Defence - Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, Deputy Permanent Secretaries of Defence, Service Commanders and Commandants, Directors of Ministry of Defence, Senior officers and officers of both Ministry of Defence and RBAF .