KUCHING: Gawai, one of the most important celebrations in Sarawak, is celebrated by the Dayak community as a harvest festival, in thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest of paddy.
Thus, June 1 and 2 have been gazetted as public holidays in Sarawak.
Most of the villages and longhouses throughout the state come alive with joy and laughter as family members gather for the celebration, while the serving of tuak, a wine made from fermented rice, and ayam pansuh are something not to be missed during the festival.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to a few Sarawak leaders on their wishes and hopes for this Gawai celebration.
Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development:
“I hope that everyone stays safe during their travels and celebrations, and most of all be grateful for all the good things that Sarawakians get to enjoy.
“It is crucial to inculcate shared value in our cultural diversity, and in unity we create stability, thus more prosperity and development.
“Subscribing to the pillars of the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS2030), we have to work hard together for Sarawak to be a developed and high income state by 2030. Sarawak Boleh!”
Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, Deputy Minister of Transport (Maritime and Riverine):
“The Gawai festival this year is more meaningful as it coincides with Sarawak’s 60th Year of Independence themed ‘Sarawak Maju Makmur’; which reflects the tremendous development progress in Sarawak.
“The Pan Borneo Highway is one of the many things we have observed and I believe many people are definitely looking forward to traveling on the highway this festive season.
“However, I would like to remind those who are travelling during Gawai or returning to their respective villages or longhouses to drive safely. Similarly those using water transport, including young children, always remember to wear safety jackets and stay safe.”
Nicholas Kudi Jantai, Baleh assemblyman
“I think the Gawai festival this time will be grander and livelier than past years as more friends and families, including those residing and working from far, will be returning home this year.
“Most of the festivals in Sarawak are meant to be celebrated by all races. it is a great time to get together and understand each other’s culture better, this is how Sarawakians maintain and strengthen the unity bond among the multiracial and multi religious society.
“I hope we can continue this beautiful practice of visiting each other, to keep our people in the Land of Hornbills strongly united and continue to live together peacefully and harmoniously.”
Kho Teck Wan, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Women chief
“As Sarawakians come together to celebrate Gawai, let us take a moment to appreciate the peace and harmony that we enjoy in the Land of Hornbills.
“Unity is a long journey, a commitment and hard work of political leaders combined with the willingness of its people to practice respect and inclusivity. Peace and unity don’t come naturally, so let’s work together to not only maintain but foster the spirit of unity in diversity.
“Wishing all Sarawakians Selamat Hari Gawai Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai.”
Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister:
“It is the time of the year again, where our Dayak friends will be celebrating Gawai, the harvest festival. Let’s celebrate it together in the spirit of unity in diversity, strengthening family bonding and well-being.
“Travel safe and enjoy the celebration. Happy Gawai to all.”
