KUCHING: The Organising Committee for the 2026 Sarawak State Gawai Dayak Celebration has been established to coordinate early preparations for the festivities, which are scheduled to commence this coming May.

The committee’s formation follows a Handover of Duties Meeting for the Sarawak Gawai Dayak Organising Committee held on Tuesday. The session was chaired by Sarawak Deputy Premier and Chairman of the 2026 Sarawak Gawai Dayak Main Committee, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

During the meeting, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah explained that the gathering was held to ensure all programme planning is implemented in an orderly, organized, and high-impact manner.

He emphasised that this year’s celebration must be executed with higher standards and meticulous planning, in line with the Sarawak Government’s aspiration to position Gawai Dayak as a premier state cultural event capable of elevating Dayak heritage and identity to a broader stage.

He also expressed his appreciation to all parties for their commitment and cooperation in ensuring the success of last year’s celebrations.

The meeting reached a consensus to appoint the Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Datuk Dr. Penguang Manggil, as the Chairman of the 2026 Sarawak Gawai Dayak Working Committee, assisted by the Deputy Sarawak State Secretary (Administration), Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, as Deputy Chairman.

Other key appointments include Director of the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR), Datu Adj. Prof. Ir. Ts. Gs. Br. PMr. Dr. Cassidy Morris as Secretary;
Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Desmond Douglas Jerukan as Deputy Secretary; and Assistant State Accountant Rolend Tama as Treasurer.

Also present were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring) and Chairman of the 2025 Working Committee, Datuk Gerawat Gala; various Sarawak Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers; Members of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly; Political Secretaries to the Premier; Permanent Secretaries; Heads of Departments; and representatives from various agencies.

During the session, Datuk Gerawat presented a report on early organisational planning, while Rolend Tama, representing the Main Committee, presented the financial report for reference and further action.

The annual Sarawak Gawai Dayak celebration remains a vital platform for upholding the culture and traditions of the Dayak community, while simultaneously strengthening unity and promoting Sarawak's diverse heritage. — UKASnews

Translator: Ryan Lim