By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 29: Kuching’s iconic White Cat statue at the Padungan roundabout has taken on a festive new look, dressed in traditional Orang Ulu attire to honour the rich cultural heritage of Sarawak’s indigenous communities in conjunction with this year’s Gawai celebration.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the design serves as more than just decoration, noting that it is a visual reminder of Sarawak’s cultural identity and the unity shared among its many ethnic groups.
“This year, I think you can see that the cat is dressed in an Orang Ulu design, and the colours used are our State colours — yellow, red, and black,” Wee told reporters during the lighting up of the White Cat statue at the Padungan roundabout here this evening.
For the record, the White Cat statue, a beloved symbol of Kuching, is often dressed in themed costumes for major festivals. This Gawai season, it stands as a symbol of unity through heritage.
“In actual fact, our Dayak friends have a very rich cultural heritage. That’s why we initially came up with all these designs to be printed on clothing, accessories, and so on. That was almost 20 years ago.
“So you have now what we call Sarawak batik. The Sarawak batik, those motifs in actual fact come from our Dayak tribes.
“They have all their weavings, pua kumbu, some of them come from the beads,” the mayor added.
Wee further emphasised that Sarawak’s rich culture and traditions continue to be celebrated and showcased as a source of pride and excitement.
He said the State’s diverse ethnic communities and deep cultural heritage are what make Sarawak unique, and called on all to cherish this legacy — past, present, and future.
Among those present at the lighting ceremony were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Deputy Mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili. — DayakDaily
