By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 2: The Dayak Christian community will uphold its role as a beacon of harmony and unity within Sarawak’s diverse population, ensuring the region remains a shining example for all of Malaysia.
The Bishop of the Anglican Church in Sarawak and Brunei Rt Revd Datuk Danald Jute emphasised this in his speech when welcoming Governor of Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi to the Bishop’s House Gawai Dayak 2024 open house at St Thomas’ Cathedral here today.
“Gawai is not merely just a celebration or public holiday; it is a God-given marker that He has created us in so many different ethnicities, cultures and beauty of the many different colours.
“The presence of Tun and Toh Puan here acknowledges this, as Tun is a people-centric leader who always has the welfare of the people at heart,” he said.
As a Dayak and a Christian, Danald reaffirmed the commitment of Christian Dayaks to continue to serve Sarawak in their various capacities, particularly through education, with 50 schools across Sarawak.
“We will continue to ensure Sarawak remains harmonious, prosperous and becomes the inspiration for the rest of Malaysia,” he emphasised.
Danald also expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the Christian community in Sarawak for Wan Junaidi’s presence at the celebration and extended apologies for any shortcomings, noting that many people had returned to their longhouses and villages for the Gawai celebration.
“On behalf of the whole Anglican church throughout Sarawak and Brunei, we express our profound gratitude for spending time with us this Gawai.
“To all, Happy Gawai, gayu guru gerai nyamai, lantang senang, berkat Tuhan. Amen,” he said, extending his Gawai wishes to Sarawakians.
The small celebration at the Bishop’s House commenced with a prayer in the Iban language and was attended by Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development Datuk Ripin Lamat, Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap and Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang as well as Archdeacons Joseph Dusit and Phillip Tauk. — DayakDaily
