By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 15: Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as well as Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, and Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, are scheduled to attend this year’s State-level Gawai Dayak celebration this weekend (June 20-21).
According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, the celebration, which is organised by the Iban community, will kick off with a ‘Niti Daun’ (procession) on June 20, in which Abang Johari is expected to attend.
Speaking during a press conference after chairing the Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak 2026 celebration main organising committee meeting at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Complex here today, he said that 99 contingents—including those from Sabah—are expected to take part in the programme.
He elaborated that the procession will begin at the Tun Jugah Building and conclude at the Kuching Waterfront, with approximately 3,000 visitors expected to attend.
The next day (June 21) will feature the highlight of the celebration, which is the State-level Gawai Dayak dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre (BCCK), where Anwar is expected to attend, along with Wan Junaidi and Abang Johari.
“Preparations have been progressing well, and we are confident that this year’s celebration will feature interesting events as part of Sarawak’s harmonious development and peaceful society, while showcasing our traditions and culture during the celebration,” he said, as quoted by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
Uggah also noted that this year’s celebration will feature several special events as surprises for visitors throughout the programme.
Also present during the press conference were Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai; Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil; Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu; Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan; Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil; Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry, and Investment, Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh; and Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Native Law and Customs), Datuk Jefferson Jamit. — DayakDaily
