Naval ceremony can be new tourism product — Masidi

KOTA KINABALU: The Freedom of Entry naval ceremony has the potential to be developed into a military tourism product for the city.

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said the state government would discuss with the Royal Malaysian Navy ( RMN) to make the Freedom of Entry ceremony an annual event.

He said the event, jointly organised by the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Eastern Fleet Command based in Sepanggar, and Kota Kinabalu City Hall ( DBKK), was well received not only by navy personnel and DBKK staff but also the public and tourists who crowded the streets to watch the parade. The last Freedom of Entry event was held nine years ago. Masidi said the event could be turned into a new tourism product, or more specifically, military tourism.

He said the event was unique as it reflected the history of the military that dated back hundreds of years ago.

“The state government will discuss with the navy to make the Freedom of Entry ceremony a yearly affair after the elections, or at least once every two years, as well as to ensure assistance and allocation to organize the event annually,” he said to the media at the end of the event yesterday.

The Freedom of Entry ceremony takes after a tradition among European cities dating back to the 11th century that when any warship docked at a city port or military detachment entered a town, it had to declare its peaceful intentions before being allowed into the city.

The ceremony yesterday was held in conjunction with the 84th anniversary of RMN, which is celebrated on April 27 every year.

The event saw Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai handing over a Freedom of Entry Into The City scroll to RMN Eastern Fleet commander Chief Vice Admiral Datuk Syed Zahiruddin Putra Syed Osman.

Masidi added that the Sepanggar naval base was one of the favourite ports of call for foreign navies.

“This is unique for Kota Kinabalu and it is apt that we expand the naval activities in Sepanggar and make this an annual affair,” he said.

He said the Freedom of Entry event could include other military-related activities and incorporate military elements into Kota Kinabalu city that were public-friendly.