BINTULU: Gawai Dayak celebration can promote rapport, understanding and national integration among the ethnic groups in Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole, said the organising chairman of Gawai Dayak Bintulu divisional level dinner, Francis Kallang.
He said each of the festive seasons celebrated in Malaysia is in line with the 1Malaysia concept and it should be given more emphasis.
Speaking at the divisional level celebration themed ‘Segulai Sejalai’ last Sunday evening, officiated by Bintulu Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, the Bintulu branch chairman of Orang Ulu National Association (OUNA) said all the festivals are the blessing to the country.
“I believe the joy and peace that we have today may not be felt by other countries in the world,” he said.
Gawai Dayak celebration is very important as it enhances the identity of the Dayak. Through this ethnicity good values can be nurtured towards promoting the 1Malaysia concept, he said.
Francis said each ethnic identity has its own culture and tradition, thus, government agencies in particular must be more proactive in identifying them for assimilation and respect by other groups.
Various activities and cultural performances were held during the event, namely cultural shows by invited group of ethnic Kajang from Belaga and other guest artistes. Kumang Gawai contest this year was based on Orang Ulu costumes and participated by 14 beauties.
At the same time, top students were also given cash incentives for their outstanding results in their respective examinations as an appreciation of their efforts and encouragement for them to continue to work harder.
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