KUCHING, April 24: Leaders and representatives of the Dayak community are urging the federal government to declare Gawai Dayak in Sarawak and Kaamatan in Sabah as public holidays nationwide.
This came from a joint statement by Dayak Think-Tank Association Sarawak (DTTAS) vice-president Edward Awan, DTTAS secretary-general Evelyn Julian, Dayak National Congress (DNC) president Paul Raja, Sarawak Iban Association (PAIS) president Samuel Suring, Balang Balai Nyabong Association (BBN) secretary-general Dr John Brian, Sarawak Terabai Menua Association president Wilfred Nissem, Sarawak Native Customary Rights Land Network Association (TAHABAS) president Romuald Siew, and Sarawak Rara Salako Association (Perasa) president Robert Umping.
They said the proposed declaration for only two days — May 31 and June 1 — to be public holidays in Malaysia would align with the ‘Malaysian Family’ concept introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob himself.
“The declaration is very important as it can be seen as better treatment by the federal government towards the Sarawak and Sabah regions.
“The nationwide pubic holidays can also provide an opportunity for the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, Rungus and other Dayak communities who work and live throughout Malaysia to celebrate Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak, especially for those who cannot return to their hometowns during such festivals,” they said in a statement today.
That, the Dayak leaders said, could also increase awareness of Sarawak and Sabah’s local celebrations in the Peninsular Malaysia states.
“We hope that if implemented by the federal government, it will protect the interests of Sarawak and Sabah indigenous customs, culture, and festivals,” they added. — DayakDaily
