Cultural Heritage Preservation Crucial To Maintain Identity Of Younger Generation
KUCHING: The richness of the Dayak community's traditions and cultural heritage must continue to be preserved so that the younger generation does not lose their identity as Sarawak moves towards more rapid development and progress.
Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the Hari Gawai Dayak celebrations not only symbolise thanksgiving for the harvest but also serves as an important platform in strengthening cultural identity and maintaining the traditional heritage of the Dayak community.
He said that the cultural heritage passed down through generations is a valuable treasure that must be defended to ensure that future generations continue to know and appreciate their cultural roots.
“This festival is a sincere reminder that Sarawak's true strength lies in its ethnic diversity and cultural patterns that live harmoniously under one sovereign nation of Malaysia.
“Indeed, the richness of the Dayak community's traditions is an important treasure that must be preserved with full commitment so that our younger generation does not lose their way or forget their cultural roots,” he said in his 2026 Hari Gawai Dayak message on Sunday.
He added that Gawai Dayak also functions as a bridge connecting people of various races through the practice of the ngabang (visiting) custom and open house traditions, which are among the unique features of the Dayak community in Sarawak.
According to him, the spirit of segulai sejalai (together in unity), which forms the core of Sarawakians' lives, needs to be continuously strengthened to ensure that the harmony enjoyed all this while can be maintained. — UKASnews
