By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 24: Deputy Minister of Public Health and Housing Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil has been appointed to lead the 2026 Sarawak-Level Gawai Dayak celebration as chairman of the organising committee, with preparations expected to commence in May to ensure a high-impact and meticulously planned event.
According to Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), the appointment was confirmed following the handover meeting of the Sarawak-Level Gawai Dayak Organising Committee today, chaired by Deputy Premier and the 2026 Sarawak-Level Gawai Dayak main committee chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Uggah said the meeting was held to ensure that all programme planning is implemented in an orderly, structured, and high-impact manner.
He stressed that this year’s celebration must be executed to a higher standard with thorough planning, reflecting the Sarawak government’s vision to elevate Gawai Dayak as a major cultural event that promotes the heritage and identity of the Dayak community on a wider platform.
He also expressed appreciation to all parties for their commitment and cooperation in ensuring the success of last year’s celebration.
Assisting Dr Penguang is Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration) Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua as deputy chairman.
Other key appointments include the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak director Datu Ir Cassidy Morris as secretary, deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Desmond Douglas Jerukan as deputy secretary, and State assistant accountant Rolend Tama as treasurer.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring) and the 2025 Gawai Dayak organising committee chairman Datuk Gerawat Gala, Sarawak Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers, members of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, political secretaries to the Premier, permanent secretaries, department heads, and representatives from various agencies.
During the session, Gerawat presented a report on early planning preparations, while Rolend submitted the financial report on behalf of the main committee for reference and further action.
The Sarawak-Level Gawai Dayak celebration continues to serve as an important platform to uphold Dayak culture and traditions, strengthen unity, and showcase the diversity of Sarawak’s heritage. — DayakDaily
