Gawai, the force that binds all Dayaks

KUCHING: The annual harvest festival, Gawai Dayak, has been described as the force that binds all Dayaks to celebrate as one community and state.

“In 1965, the government declared June 1 for all Dayaks to celebrate Gawai in a big way in order to unite them - the Ibans, Bidayuhs and Orang Ulus,” said Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud at last night’s national-level Gawai Open House.

Sarawak, he pointed out, has been able to achieve much socio-economic progress, thanks to a united people of various racial backgrounds, particularly the various Dayak groups.

Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Muhammad Salahuddin and wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah were the guests of honour at the event, along with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, Urban Development and Tourism Minister Datuk Michael Manyin, federal and state ministers and foreign and local dignitaries were also present.

Manyin and Minister of Information, Unity, Culture and Arts Datuk Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim were joint organising chairmen of the event.

Taib said in 1988 the government took another step to further unite the people and promote Dayak culture to other communities throughout the country.

“Today, Dayak culture is part of Malaysia’s identity and it has enriched the country’s cultural heritage,” he pointed out.

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