Gawai Celebrations Must Be More Authentic & Better Reflect Identity
BINTULU: Future Gawai celebrations are proposed to be held in locations that better reflect the identity of the Dayak community, such as longhouses.
Sarawak Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said this approach is vital to ensure the community's cultural heritage continues to be preserved.
According to the Kemena Assemblyman, organising events in more authentic locations can elevate traditional values, including cultural elements such as Kumang and Keling, as well as customs related to Gawai.
"In the future, I hope Gawai celebrations can be held in locations that better reflect the community's identity, such as longhouses or our own places, rather than as they are now.
"We need to think of the future so that our culture remains preserved, including heritage such as Kumang, Keling, and various customs and activities associated with Gawai," he said.
He said this while speaking at the Pengerami Ngabang Gawai Begulai Enggau Deputy Premier Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, organised by the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Kakus Branch here on Saturday.
He further added that the Gawai celebration is not merely a festival but serves as a platform for the community to assess their achievements throughout the year, where the community should evaluate the results of their efforts, whether they have gained profit or otherwise, and take steps toward improvement to ensure continuous progress.
"We cannot become complacent with current conditions; instead, we must constantly challenge ourselves to compete in various fields, including education, employment, and the economy.
"If others can succeed, we are also capable of achieving it through hard work and high spirits," he remarked.
Also in attendance were Deputy Premier Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Law and Native Customs) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, Senator Michael Mujah Lihan, Selangau Member of Parliament Edwin Banta, Jepak Assemblyman Iskandar Turkee, Bintulu Division Resident Nyurak Keti, Tatau District Officer Calvin Ligong Bujang @ Endawie, and Sebauh District Officer Thadeus Ling Bartholomew Allu. - UKASnews
