By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 3: Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia and Bintulu MP Dato Seri Tiong King Sing spent the first day of Gawai visiting six longhouses in Kemena and Suai, where he engaged with residents to understand their challenges and pledged to address their concerns.
Tiong, who is also Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president, was accompanied by his PDP team as he made stops at Rumah Inggol ak Ranggong, Rumah Changgai ak Dali, Rumah Joe ak Merudi, Rumah Clarence ak Unjun, Rumah Ngalantar ak Sengaling, and Rumah Tulie ak Aji.
“I engaged directly with residents at each longhouse to listen to the issues they face, including life challenges and other concerns.
“I noted down every complaint and will do my best to help resolve them,” he said in a Facebook post today.
Tiong, who also serves as Dudong assemblyman, urged the community to remain in close contact with his officers stationed in Bintulu to work together in finding effective solutions.
“Although I am rarely in the Bintulu office due to my ministerial duties, I always keep in touch with my team there to ensure I receive regular updates on issues affecting the people.
“At the same time, I will do my utmost to follow up, coordinate, and make decisions on every issue raised,” he added.
The Bintulu MP also officiated the launch of the women’s bureau at Rumah Inggol during the visit.
Tiong described the Gawai atmosphere as warm and filled with cultural spirit, with residents welcoming him like family.
“Gawai is not only a symbol of harvest but also a time of reunion. Those who work and travel far from home return to be with their families and loved ones.
“Homemade tuak and langkau, delicious traditional dishes, and the soothing sounds of the sape truly captivate the heart and reflect the spirit of unity in Sarawak.”
Furthermore, he expressed joy seeing West Malaysian Chinese friends experiencing the unique Gawai celebrations in the longhouses, adding that such cultural exchange fosters mutual understanding and strengthens national harmony.
“I would like to reaffirm that as long as we are Malaysians, we are all one family. We must continue to move forward together in the spirit of unity, harmony, and tolerance, regardless of race or religion!
“Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai! I sincerely wish everyone a joyful Gawai celebration, good health always, and a bountiful harvest every year!” said Tiong. — DayakDaily
