BINTULU: Failing to mention Pesta Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak celebrations is unacceptable to east Malaysians.
Last May 23, Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik posted a video on his Facebook regarding the coming school holiday and the Eid ul Fitr (Hari Raya Puasa) celebration.
PAS Bintulu chief Zharudin Narudin said in a press statement that there is nothing wrong with Maszlee’s video except that he failed to mention the Kaamatan and Gawai celebrations in his advice and reminders in conjunction with the school holiday.
“This may look insignificant; but to us in Borneo this is unacceptable! It definitely hurts the feelings of teachers and students celebrating the two major festivals,” he stated.
After all, Kaamatan and Gawai are celebrated earlier than the Hari Raya Puasa this year and thus gave the impression that the minister had no interest in Sabah and Sarawak, hence, his oblivion.
“As a federal minister, Maszlee should be more alert and conscious of the existence of the different ethnic groups in Sabah and Sarawak. His video manifests ignorance of east Malaysians.
“While the Dayaks which consist of several native ethnic groups make up a minority in Malaya, they form the majority in Sabah and Sarawak. Thus, to be ignored or forgotten by a federal leader is insulting. It can also be hurtful,” Zharudin explained.
The Gawai Dayak falls on June 1 and 2 while Pesta Kaamatan in Sabah is on May 30 and 31
In his video, Mazslee wished teachers and students a long school holiday from May 24 to June 8.
He urged them to be careful while travelling to their villages, and he hoped that they reached their destinations safely.
He stated that the holidays are a good time for them to be with their families and relatives as Hari Raya coincides with the school holiday.
“During the school holiday, I hope that no school activities or extra classes would be held,” he said.
Mazslee also urged the students to take care of themselves and not to play with firecrackers as it could be dangerous to them.
