MIRI, May 8: The State-level Gawai Festival will take place on June 25, 2022, at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, says Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring) Dato Gerawat Gala.
According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, Gerawat stated that the Orang Ulu community will host the State-level Gawai Festival this year.
“The organisation of Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2022 is one of the Gawai celebration activities and this time carries the theme ‘Together For A Shared Future’ which is described as appropriate by fostering the spirit of unity among the Dayaks and also promoting the culture and traditions of the Dayaks,” he said.
Gerawat revealed that the first Gawai Dayak Bazaar was held on May 2, with 70 traders selling handicrafts and goods.
“The Orang Ulu has been given the honour to become the organisers of the festival at the Sarawak State-level this year.
“Every year the organisation is done by rotation, (with organisers) consisting of Iban, Bidayuh, and the Orang Ulu,” he stated.
Gerawat also said that the Gawai Dayak Bazaar is part of the Gawai Festival at the State-level.
“The Sarawak government has focused on three fundamental (targets) in Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development (PCDS) 2030 (plan),” he said, adding that the three targets are to drive Sarawak’s growth, social inclusiveness, and a sustainable environment.
Gerawat, who is the Mulu assemblyman, explained that through social inclusiveness, Sarawak’s acceptance of different races, cultures and religions is seen as among the ways to achieve a developed State by 2030.
“This social inclusiveness means a lot as it means we accept any differences between races, cultures, and religions.
“We in Sarawak, accept the attitude of tolerance and appreciate every difference that exists between each race.
“That is why our society in Sarawak is always referred to as a model society for one Malaysia,” he said.
He said this while officiating at the launching of Gawai Dayak Bazaar (GDB) 2022 at Permyjaya Mall, Miri yesterday.
Meanwhile, during the ceremony, Gerawat announced a Minor Rural Project (MRP) allocation of RM15,000 for GDB. This was followed by RM10,000 from the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting, who is also Piasau assemblyman, RM5,000 each from Pujut assemblyman Adam Yii Sew Sang and Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau, and RM1,000 from Senator Dr Nuing Jeluing to Gagasan Anak Dayak Sarawak (GADS) for the organisation of GDB this year.
Also present were Acting Miri Resident Baru Tai, Miri District Office representative SAO Edward, Miri District Police Chief ASP Robert Bunsa, Sarawak Dayak Idea Association Legal Adviser Jonathan Bedindang, Sarawak Dayak Idea Association Integrity Committee member and GDB advisor 2022 Jetli Jelian, and Gagasan Anak Dayak Sarawak Association chairman David Upe who is also GDB 2022 chairman. — DayakDaily
