By DayakDaily Team
PADAWAN, June 2: Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin has dismissed allegations that Dayak elected representatives do not extend assistance to the community during Gawai Dayak celebrations.
In a TVS news, Willie said the claim, made by a retired teacher, is untrue and risks causing unnecessary racial misunderstanding if left uncorrected.
“The issue was raised by a retired teacher who alleged that Dayak elected representatives do not provide any assistance during Gawai. I strongly reject this as it is untrue and could lead to racial tension.
“For korban programmes related to religious activities, we provide support upon receiving applications and project papers from the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) or mosque committee chairmen.
“The same applies to villages in our constituency, including Bidayuh and other Dayak villages that organise Gawai celebrations,” he told reporters after attending the 2026 Harvest Festival at Kampung Annah Rais yesterday (June 1).
He stressed that government assistance is not confined to a single form of contribution, as each application is evaluated based on its needs, impact and benefit to the community.
Beyond supporting religious activities such as korban, he said elected representatives also contribute to a wide range of community programmes, including Gawai celebrations in villages across their constituencies.
“In our Dayak villages celebrating Gawai, we also channel contributions, some of which exceed the cost of a cow, as they cover various needs to ensure the success of the celebrations,” he added.
Willie urged the public not to be swayed by narratives that could spark controversy or misunderstanding, stressing that all applications are assessed based on programme impact, cost and community benefit.
He also called for issues to be viewed objectively and based on facts in order to avoid distorted perceptions.
Earlier, a Facebook post questioned why some elected representatives were perceived as not supporting Gawai celebrations while contributing cattle for Aidiladha.
Willie responded to the post, clarifying that elected representatives do in fact provide support for Gawai, including funding and assistance for community-based programmes. — DayakDaily
