By DayakDaily Team
KAPIT, June 16: Kapit MP Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi has proposed setting an official deadline by the end of June for the Ngiling Bidai ceremony, which marks the closing of the Hari Gawai Dayak celebration.
He said having a fixed cut-off date for the festive period would help the Dayak community shift their attention back to efforts in developing their communities, Sarawak and the nation.
In a Facebook post yesterday (June 15), Nanta revealed that he had raised the matter with Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Native Law and Customs) Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat during a Ngiling Bidai celebration at Rumah Steward Saba in Tatai Emas Sungai Amang.
“As the Deputy Minister responsible for Native Laws and Customs, I believe Datuk Jefferson Jamit is in a good position to take up this matter so that the closing ceremony of Gawai Dayak does not drag on for too long,” he said.
Nanta, who is also the federal Works Minister, stressed the importance of preserving the customs and traditions of the Dayak community, describing them as a cornerstone of harmony in Sarawak’s multiracial society.
He further called for cooperation among longhouse residents and surrounding communities to ensure that development plans in their areas can proceed smoothly. – DayakDaily
