KUCHING, April 26: The Bung Bratak Heritage Association (BBHA) has joined the call for the Gawai Dayak and Kaamatan celebrations to be made nationwide public holidays to infuse a sense of belonging and inclusivity among the Dayak communities in both Sarawak and Sabah.
BBHA chairman Dato Peter Minos emphasised that it is not enough that only Sarawak and Sabah governments made Gawai Dayak and Kaamatan a public holiday.
“Every sizeable community in Malaysia seeks and wants to be recognised, appreciated and respected nationally.
“Nothing is worse than a community that is not being acknowledged and appreciated by their countrymen. Worse is of course being  neglected and ignored,” he said in a statement today.
This call came after leaders and representatives of the Dayak community urged the Federal government to declare Gawai Dayak in Sarawak and Kaamatan in Sabah as a public holiday nationwide last Sunday (April 24).
The group said making Gawai Dayak and Kaamatan a nationwide public holiday would align with the ‘Malaysian Family’ concept introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Peter, who is also Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman, pointed out that Gawai Dayak celebration is a very important occasion for the Dayaks consisting of the Ibans, Bidayuhs and Orang Ulus.
More importantly, he reminded that the Dayak community is playing a significant and increasing role in Malaysia and contributing to nation-building in various capacities.
“Making the Gawai Dayak celebrations, which is a vital component in the cultural and historical lives of the Dayak community, a national public holiday by the Federal government is a recognition for them.
“This will surely make the Dayaks feel appreciated, valued and accepted. This is needed by the nation,” he added. — DayakDaily
