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Freedom of Entry to The City 2008 – Day Events
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On the 26th of April, Kota Kinabalu had the Freedom of Entry to The City Ceremony at Padang Merdeka. This annual event is jointly organised by the Malaysian Navy and Kota Kinabalu City Hall. It also coincides with the of 74th Navy Day on 27th April. This was my first time watching too.
The event began with the presentation of a “Freedom of Entry To The City” scroll to Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim by Lieutenant Mohd Hazamri Hassan. At 10.00 am, the “Freedom of Entry” March started. The participants consisted of 15 contingents, Royal Malaysian Navy, United States Navy, France Navy, Royal Brunei Navy and 110 secondary students.
The “Freedom of Entry” is an old naval tradition practised since medieval times when the navy enters the city and permission from the Mayor must be obtained. A “scroll” is presented to the Mayor which then allows the Navy to exercise its newly conferred right to march through the city.
Among those present were City Hall Director-General Datuk Dr Chua Kim Hing, RMN Commander Naval region 2 First Admiral Syed Zahiruddin Putra Syed Osman, Acting Fleet Commander Royal Brunei Navy Lieutennat Colonel (L) Haji Aznan Haji Julaihi, Commanding Officer of French Surveillance Frigate Floreal Commander Johann De Villars, Commanding Officer USS Fitzgerald Commander Daniel Dusek, Defence Advisor US Naval Attache US Embassy Kuala Lumpur Captain Claudia Risner, Deputy State Secretary Datuk Maznah Abd. Ghani, and Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin.
At 10.15, the personnel from KD Sri Semporna showed unarmed combat demonstration. These guys are not to be messed with.
Then at 10.30, the crowd was entertained by skilful performance of silent marching by the Tawau RMN Reserve Force.
After that, I headed towards Sabah Ports Authority where the Navy Ships area open for viewing. Upon arrival, I saw that there were boat rides available for RM 2.00. There was also a demonstration by the Malaysian navy’s CB90 as well as the Super Lynx and Fennec helicopters. At 11.45am, I heard the air chopping loud noises. I looked up and saw 2 helis, but they were too far away above the other dock, so I had to run for it.
Then I continued to the Navy Ships that were open for viewing here at Sabah Ports Authority. There were 2 Royal Malaysian Navy ships, 1 from France Navy, and 2 from Royal Brunei Navy. The United States navy ship, USS Fitzgerald was berthed at Sepanggar bay.
Royal Malaysian Navy “KD Pahang”
Royal Malaysian Navy “KTD Kepah”
Royal Brunei Navy “KDB Waspada”
Royal Brunei Navy “KDB Teraban”
France Marine Nationale “F730 Floréal”
For the night events of “Freedom of Entry to The City 2008″, read Jacq’s blog entry. I was already too tired to run around again… maybe next year we’ll all go together, ok?
info source: www.sabahtourism.com
ZieDesign | Blog of a Freelance Designer » Blog Archive » Freedom Of Entry To The City 2008
[...] is jointly organised by the KK City Hall and Royal Malaysian Navy. I went and took some photos too. Read more at Life In Borneo. Posted by Zie on May 3rd, 2008 Filed in [...]
Eric Pearson
Good Day,
Well done on the great photos, I am the one who introduced the Freedom of Entry to the RMN last year, which we have taken for granted in Australia these last many years. KK showed us here in Australia how it should be done, your national pride is outstanding.
Although this event is normally conducted every 3-5 years or on change over of Admirals of an area this show straight after last year went well as it tied into the Admial changover.
As next year is the RMN 75th birthday I envisage it will be much bigger with Warships visiting from 8 countries putting KK on the map as a must destination. Also we see a bigger community involvement.
Again well done on the photos, keep up the great work.
ziedesign
Thanks Eric! that really means a lot to us, coming from the man who introduced it to RMN. It was my first time to the event and I really enjoyed the day. Hope next year it’ll be great too. I’m looking forward to the next Freedom of Entry to The City.
and Good Day to you, sir.
eshark
Now that’s what I call a cool panoramic shot!! Bravo!!