KUCHING, May 31: Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and his wife, Toh Puan Datin Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, called on all citizens, especially the Dayak community, to celebrate the Gawai festival with deep gratitude and a strong sense of unity.
In his Gawai Dayak 2025 message, Tun Dr Wan Junaidi reflected on the history of Gawai Dayak, which was declared an official celebration in 1965 as a result of the efforts of past leaders to uphold Dayak culture.
“Every 1st of June, the Dayak community comes together to celebrate Gawai as a symbol of thanksgiving for the harvest while strengthening family bonds and preserving a treasured cultural heritage,” he said.
He urged that traditions such as ngajat, ruai, ai pengayu, and gotong-royong continue to be preserved as cultural identity.
Tun Dr Wan Junaidi also stressed the importance of education as a pillar of progress for the community, while commending the Sarawak Government’s efforts to ensure children in rural areas have access to quality education.
“My hope is that parents will continue to prioritise education for the success and future of their children,” he said.
He noted that the Sarawak Government remains committed to developing infrastructure for dilapidated schools and basic amenities such as roads, bridges, and clean water supply, with more than 200 projects approved under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
He also expressed appreciation for the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in supporting communities through educational, healthcare, and Dayak cultural preservation programs.
As the festive season approaches, Tun Dr Wan Junaidi reminded the public to drive safely and obey traffic laws.
“Celebrate this festival with moderation, responsibility, and prioritise safety for the well-being of families and the wider community,” he said.
He called on the people of Sarawak to preserve harmony and strengthen unity for the continued prosperity of the state. – TVS
