KUCHING, May 31: The Dayak’s rich cultural and traditional heritage must be upheld in the highest regard as they are sacrosanct and central to its identity.
In his Gawai Dayak message, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas expressed his deepest appreciation to the various associations, clubs and non-governmental organisations in Sarawak for their fervent efforts to preserve and promote the culture.
“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.
“These included promoting the ‘Ajat’, ‘Sape’, ‘Bertaboh’, handicrafts like ‘Pua Kumbu’, ‘Baju Buriek’, ‘Baju Gagung’ and the ‘Kuntau’ martial art,” he said.
Uggah also extended his appreciation to the Bidayuh and Orang Ulu communities who also shared the same passion and commitment in preserving their culture.
Noting the challenges brought about by the advent of new digital technologies, he appealed to the Dayak community to take this Gawai Dayak 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’s open house to spread goodwill, harmony and most of all, our unity,” he said.
In conjunction with Sarawak’s 60th independence, Uggah noted that Sarawak had undergone major transformation and witnessed rapid socio-economic development in sectors such as communications, health, education, economic and social sectors.
“Let us continue to be thankful and grateful for all the good things and deeds from the government and let us reciprocate in the way that our values and norms beseech upon us.
“Let us all stay united and let us continue to support GPS government in its many programmes to in the effort to develop Sarawak as a high income region by 2030,” he added.
Similarly, he called upon those returning home for the Gawai holidays to take all the necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
“My family and I would like to wish all Dayak, Selamat Menyambut Hari Gawai Dayak. Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai, Lantang Senang Nguan Menoa,” he said. -TVS
