KUCHING, March 3: The Iban community is looking forward to hosting the regional-level Gawai Dayak celebration 2023, says Datuk John Sikie Tayai.
The Minister in the Premier’s Department said he has been appointed to head the main committee to organise the celebration.
According to him, the committee is currently choosing to hold the celebration at either the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) or Dinner World Restaurant in Bintulu as both locations have the capability to cater to large crowds.
“Two tentative dates have also been suggested, namely on June 17 or 24. We will have a meeting soon to decide on the date, venue and other matters,” he said in a statement today.
Previously, the regional-level Gawai Dayak celebration was hosted by the Orang Ulu community at BCCK on June 25, 2022.
Meanwhile, Sikie said three main events have been proposed for the celebration, namely the dinner itself, ‘Niti Ruai’ which is a traditional Iban procession, and the ‘Keling and Kumang Gawai’ beauty parade.
He also said they will also invite Head of the State (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg together with their wives as guests of honor.
He added that batik shirts with Iban motifs or traditional Iban costumes have been suggested as the main attire for the celebration. — DayakDaily
