KUCHING: The Dayaks are called to take the Gawai celebration as an opportunity to strengthen unity among themselves and with the other races.
In making the call, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the future is going to be immensely challenging with the advent of new digital technologies.
“Thus, I appeal to all Dayaks to take this Gawai celebration as an opportunity to strengthen their own unity and with all other races.
“Let us continue our tradition of ‘ngabang’ or visiting each other to spread goodwill, harmony and most of all, our unity,” he said in his Gawai Dayak 2023 message.
The deputy premier said the Gawai season was also a time to portray the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the Dayaks.
“I have attended a number of the pre-Gawai gatherings and dinners where a wide spectrum of mesmerising, and vibrantly colourful cultural presentations (plus native cuisines) were showcased.
“We must uphold them in the highest respect for they are sacrosanct and central to our identity.
“I must put on record here my deep appreciation to the various associations, clubs and non-governmental organisations for their ever-enduring efforts to preserve and promote the “Ajat” , the “Sape”, “Bertaboh”, and handicrafts like the “Pua Kumbu”, “Baju Buriek”, “Baju Gagung” and the “Kuntau” martial art.
“Likewise, my profound appreciation goes to those from the Bidayuh and Orang Ulu communities who are similarly very passionate and committed in protecting, saving and promoting their cultures,” Uggah said.
He urged Sarawakian to stay united and continue to support Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government in its many programmes in the effort to develop Sarawak as a high income region by 2030.
“By the same token, let us continue to be thankful and grateful for all the good things and deeds from the government that had come our ways. Let us reciprocate in a way that our values and norms beseech upon us,” he said.
To those returning or leaving home either by road or river, for the Gawai Dayak, the Bukit Saban assemblyman advises the celebrants to take all the necessary precautions so that they and their family will reach their destinations safely.
“Finally, once again, my family and I would like to wish all Dayaks, Selamat Menyambut Hari Gawai Dayak, Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai, Lantang Senang Nguan Menoa.
“May we all continue to be blessed with good health, long life, unity and prosperity,” he said.
