MIRI: Sarawakians should be proud of their diversity as it is the perfect showcase of Keluarga Malaysia.
Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala said, the people of Sarawak enjoy the diversity of tradition despite their differences.
“We are like a rainbow, there are a ton of different colours but yet we blend beautifully with one another,” he said.
Gerawat told this to 1,250 people who attended the 16th Miri Divisional Gawai Dayak Celebration 2022 on Saturday night at a hotel here.
“In Malaysia, Sarawak has been regarded as the model state of unity and harmony, we accept and we appreciate one another despite our differences,” he pointed out.
He added, the ruling government under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has always focused on bringing development and taking care of the people’s well-being.
“The Sarawak government has launched its Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, aspiring to be a thriving society driven by data and innovation to enjoy economic prosperity , social inclusivity and a sustainable environment,” Gerawat explained.
At the event , this year’s Gawai organiser the Dayak Association Miri (DAM) received pledges for RM181,100 from elected representatives including Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggas Embas (RM50,000), Gerawat (RM20,000), Minister of Transport Sarawak Datuk Sri Lee Kim Shin (RM5,000), Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I (Tourism) Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew (RM34,100), Deputy Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil (RM20,000) , Deputy Minister of Youth ,Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dr Ripin Lamat(RM10,000), Baram MP Anyie Ngau (RM20,000), Senator Dato Dr Nuing Jeluing (RM10,000), Telang Usan Assemblyman Dennis Ngau (RM10,000) and RM2,000 from Pujut assemblyman cum Miri Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang.
The highlight of the event was the Gawai Dayak Miri Division pageant.
Ramadia Esturin , 23 , of Sibuti won in the Kumang Iban category.
The first runner-up for the category went to Sheila Riti Jerfry, 24, from Selangau, Mukah.
Kampung Binyuk Bintulu’s Lyana Vellery Jeffery, 22, was the second runner up.
For the Dayung Sangon category, the winner was Emily Ramie Bernard, 18, from Kampung Semeba, Kuching; first runner Cindylia Dominic Ajang, 24, of Kampung Sungai Duuh, Siburan and Gloria Willie ,23, from Kampung Duras, Siburan was third.
In the Keligit Orang Ulu category 34-year-old Goretti Dayang Engan, a Kenyah from Long Selatong emerged the winner while second placing went to Rofina Buda, 22, a Berawan of Long Takong Tinjar Baram,while the second runner was Geviena Lyna Gapar, 22 a Bisaya from Kampung Anak Tunok, Limbang.
In the Keling-Belawan category, Arrick Tinggang William was named champion, while second spot went to Hakkinen Lewis and Heyward Hezron Lim finished third
