by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 19: The vibrant colours of Sarawak’s traditional attire, musical rhythm, and mouthwatering aroma of Dayak cuisine filled the halls of the Ministry of Works (KKR) yesterday, as the Ministry hosted its first ever Gawai Dayak Celebration in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
While modest in scale, the event left a deep impact on those who attended, especially Sarawak-born Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who described the celebration as a powerful reminder of cultural pride and unity.
“As a native Sarawakian, I feel moved. Moved that Gawai, which has always been celebrated in our homeland, is celebrated with great respect here,” he said in his Facebook post.
The celebration was made even more special with the presence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and fellow Sarawakians, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusuf, as well as Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
“It was not just a symbolic presence but a recognition of the richness of Dayak culture which has long been the heart of Malaysia’s diversity,” Nanta added.
He also expressed his gratitude to those who made this event a reality.
“You not only organised the event but you created memories,” he said.
In reflecting on the day, Nanta shared, “Today I learned something, when we bring culture to an unusual place, we don’t lose our roots — we nourish it. And I believe, this is the true spirit of Malaysia.” – DayakDaily
