Life In Borneo

Posted by Xander on April 23rd, 2009 in Events

Freedom of Entry Ceremony

18th of April marked another historical day for Sabah where this illustrious event takes place here in Kota Kinabalu city at the Segama Waterfront. The ‘Freedom of Entry Ceremony’ is an old Naval tradition that began since the medieval era, where the City or town council confers the right to the Navy to march with ‘Swords drawn, drums beating, band playing, Colors flying and bayonets fixed’. And staying true to that tradition was what transpired that day with a congregation of multifarious colors and flags of participating countries.

This right to march through is usually conferred with a ‘Key’ by the Lord Mayor and in this event the honour goes to Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim passing the Key to Royal Malaysian Navy’s’ Region 2 Commander, First Admiral Syed Zahiruddin Putra Bin Syed Osman. This represents the city allowing the Navy to exercise its newly conferred right to march through the city.

Among those attended the ceremony were Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun and Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin which was also there to witness the passing of a memento by the First Admiral Syed Zahiruddin Putra Bin Syed Osman to the Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim in commemoration of this event.

Marching Through The City

With over 10 contingents joining this year the march was more than a spectacular performance of uniformity and conduct. The parade started off with the Royal Malaysian Navy which was followed by other detachments from the Indonesian Navy, Royal Brunei Navy, Indian Navy and United States Navy to name a few.

The crowd was in jovial spirits as the parade marched through as onlookers were in awe of the participating contingents which was making their way to the center of the Segama Waterfront where the dignitaries and VIPs were seated. Each participating navy was resplendent in their march as well as their uniform, executing  their drill with flawless perfection as shown here by the Indonesian Navy, some were in their unique attires representing mascots for their detachment.

The Segama Waterfront was used as the location for this years’ event and dotted along the stretch are booths of various government and non-governmental societies and departments were set up. Among them were the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Royal Brunei Navy and Indonesion Navy also known as  Tentera Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Laut (TNI-AL).

The Battleships

After the ceremonies at the Segama Waterfront the lifeinborneo.com crew headed out to the Sabah Ports Authority to witness the ships docked for this very event. Some ships were docked at the Kota Kinabalu Naval Base but those that were open to public was never short of visitors. The Indian Navy had two ships docked which is also their first time being here in Sabah. The Royal Brunei Navy was also here with two ships and also the Royal Malaysian Navy has a patrol class cruiser docked.

We were given a tour by an officer of the Royal Malaysian Navy of the ship KD Kedah. It was indeed an exhilarating as it is a learning experience to enter this Malaysian freigh docked here at the Sabah Ports Authority as well as the ships from the Royal Brunei Navy.

This event was  jointly organized by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), and Kota Kinabalu City Hall. We hope next year this event would be bigger and more countries would join this ostentatious of ceremonies by the navy.

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Posted by Xander on April 15th, 2009 in Culture & Traditions, Events, Festivals

April 3rd – 5th 2009, Murut Cultural Centre – Situated 10 kilometers away from Tenom town in Kampung Pulong, located saliently at the left side of the road if one is traveling from Kota Kinabalu City.

Sits in the middle of this area of 33 acres positioned next to the Pegalan River is the building of the Murut Cultural Center exorbitantly built and designed covering an area of up to 871,200 square feet. This monumental structure exhibits some of the most engrossing and fascinating gallery displaying artifacts which include vases, gongs and traditional percussion and wind instruments originating from the autochthonous Murut people.

Built from local timber, the Murut Cultural Center was constructed with elements of Murut architectures in mind. Within its structures one can see the carvings upon large pillars which have significance and meaning to the Murut People like the ‘Sinimpung’.

Sinimpung

This chiseled carving is usually displayed in the visitors’ area in the Murut houses to show guests to have better understanding and encourage them to establish better relationships among feuding tribes. It also proves that a harmonious coexistence between them could be nurtured by informing the rest of the community of the strong unity among the Murut people.

The Murut comprises of several sub groups such as Tagol, Timogun, Paluan, Kolor Baukan, Nabai, Sambakung, Alumbis, Ambual, Serudung, Tenggara, etc. Traditionally the Murut people inhabit the interior and south-eastern parts of Sabah and the territory athwart the Kalimantan and Sarawak borders. Most of them are shifting cultivators and hunters with some riverside fishing. Nowadays, the Murut people are educated and skillful and have joined the public service, owning their own businesses and professional sectors and as well as politicians.

For this festive occasion, many stalls were set up around this elegant structure which also contains the Murut Cultural Museum which houses the history of these indigenous people dating back since the early 1970s’.

What made the Kalimaran Festival this year special was that a mock Murut wedding-rite of the sub-ethnic Murut Tagol known as ‘Tinauh’ was held at the Langsaran House located within the compound of the Murut Cultural Centre. ‘Tinauh’ word also means congregation feast.

Organized by the Ministry of Arts and Culture Sabah and with the valued cooperation of the Murut Society of  Sabah; this ceremony was graced with the attendance of several dignitaries and VIPs. The ‘Tinauh’ was officiated by YB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Bernard G. Dompok, chairman of Rumpun Momogun and Minister in the Prime Ministers’ Department; with the bamboo-cutting ceremony known as ‘Ahimbalut’.

He also gave a speech to the public addressing them concerning the program which is part of this event called “Program Merakyatkan Seni Budaya” or “Art and Culture for the People”. Its purpose is to promote and encourage the public, especially from the suburban areas to be more active and be part of traditional and cultural activities such as the Kalimaran Festival. It is also important to en kindle the spirit of communal cooperation within their society and strengthen the bonds with one another.

At the end of the ceremony, a large feast took place within and around the compound of the Langsaran house catered to the public. With such a copious crowd that comprised of both locals and foreigners alike; it was this convivial assemblage of people that made this three day affair quite an amazing event.

Meanwhile back at the Murut Cultural Centre, a traditional dance competition was held. It was joined by various groups from all over Sabah; the dance is known as ‘Magunatip’. In their endemic attires these performers were elegant and fascinating with their choreography.

With such a setting and grandiose architecture and locale; it’s no wonder the Kalimaran Festival at the Murut Cultural Centre this year was some of the best places to be in Sabah.

Source – Murut Cultural Museum.

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