By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 19: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg complimented the efforts of participants dressed in traditional attire to perform a choreographed dance at Kuching Waterfront here today.
“You (the crowd) look very beautiful today. I just came back actually late last night (where) I had a dialogue with our students in Universiti Malaya (Kuala Lumpur).
“I should be very tired but when I see you, I feel very energetic today,” he told the crowd at the ‘Malaysia Book of Malaysia Book of Records: Most Participants in Ethnic Attire in A Choreographed Dance Performance’ event.
His comment was received with thunderous applause by those gathered.
Clad in beautiful and mesmerising traditional attire of various ethnic groups in Sarawak, the crowd estimated to number 1,275 people, participated in a ‘poco-poco’ dance performance in an attempt to set a new record in the MBOR.
Following the impressive execution of the mass dance performance to the popular Iban song ‘Bekikis Bulu Betis’, the event was successfully inducted into the MBOR as having the most participants in ethnic attire in a choreographed dance performance.
Abang Johari also commended the organisers, namely Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) and the Rotary Club of Kuching, for the momentous event which will also create mutual respect and understanding among Sarawakians.
“Indeed, it is an honour for Kuching, Sarawak to organise this event particularly when you wear the various ethnic dress reflecting various ethnic groups in Sarawak.
“Though different dresses, but we are in one family. That is Sarawak culture,” he added.
He also likened Sarawakians to ‘kek lapis’ (layered cake), a beloved delicacy in Sarawak.
“Though it (kek lapis) is layered, it is one cake. Though we have a lot of races, we are one. That is Sarawak,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
