KAPIT: More than 500 people representing the various communities here attended the district-level Chap Goh Mei celebration at Dewan Sri Balleh here last Saturday.
The event was officiated at by Kapit District Officer Elvis Didit who is also chairman of the organising committee. He was representing Bukit Goram Assemblyman, Jefferson Jamit Unyat.
Speaking at the function Elvis thanked Temenggong Tan Kian Hoo and the local Chinese community leaders for successfully organising the celebration despite the short notice.
“Chap Goh Mei this year is unique because it is celebrated not in accordance with the actual date which is 15 days after Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration. This is because District Offices throughout the state were directed to celebrate the four major celebrations in the state namely Chinese New Year or Chap Goh Mei, Hari Raya Puasa or Hari Raya Aidiladha, Gawai Dayak or Ngiling Bidai and Christmas. As the Chinese New Year celebration is over we can only celebrate Chap Goh Mei. Due to the time constraint we can only organise the celebration today. This celebration does not necessarily be held on the actual date as it can be held either earlier or later,” Elvis said.
The Chap Goh Mei celebration is initiated by the government with the theme ‘Sarawak Celebrates’.
Elvis also disclosed that the committee has selected a people’s representative as the guest of honour and in charge of each celebration.
“For this Chap Goh Mei celebration we have chosen Bukit Goram Assemblyman, Jefferson Jamit Unyat. For the coming Gawai Dayak celebration we have chosen Pelagus Assemblyman, Wilson Nyabong Ijang, Deputy Minister for Rural and Regional Development Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi for Hari Raya Puasa and Belaga Assemblyman Liwan Lagang who is also Assistant Minister for River Safety as guest of honour for the Christmas celebration.
The date and venue for the respective celebrations will be decided later on upon confirmation by the respective people’s representatives,” said Elvis.
He further told that for the coming Gawai Daayak celebration the committee has the venue in mind and perhaps in a longhouse. “The actual date and venue will be decided later” he said adding that the committee has held a meeting in preparation for the celebration.
At the function Elvis also announced a grant of RM6,000 from Jamit for the celebration.
Temenggong Tan Kian Hoo said Chap Goh Mei is celebrated after 15 days of Chinese New Year to mark the end of the CNY celebration.
He thanked the organising committee members and guests from the various communities to ensure the event a success. He also thanked the Chinese non-governmental organisations for their contributions to the event.
