KUCHING, Mar 1: The main working committee for this year’s state-level Gawai Dayak celebration has been formed.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the Celebration Management Committee will be chaired by Minister of Education, Innovations and Talent Development Sarawak, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
“This year’s state-level Gawai Dayak celebration will be just as grand as the previous edition.
“We have chosen Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) as the venue with the main highlight being the Gawai dinner to be held on June 22,” Uggah said after chairing a meeting to discuss its preparations today.
Among the guests of honour expected to attend this year include Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg as well as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Bidayuh community will be the host for this year’s celebration following the Iban community last year and the Orang Ulu community in 2022.
“The Niti Daun cultural procession by groups and organisations representing all the Dayak groups, for example, was very impressive.
“I hope the same can be said for this year’s event too,” he added.
Meanwhile Roland said in addition to the dinner and the Niti Daun procession, other events this year would be the Gawai bazaar and the Gawai Carnival.
“From feedbacks that we have received, the Gawai celebrants want the bazaar to be held this May.
“This will allow them time to shop for traditional costumes and accessories for the festive period,” he added. -TVS
